REVENUES
Central Pierce Fire & Rescue receives revenue from five different sources. Two of these sources (the Emergency Medical Services Levy and Fire Benefit Charge) must be renewed by voters every few years. These two sources account for almost half of the fire department’s overall budget.

Regular Fire Levy
The Regular Fire Levy provides $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. The revenue generated by the Regular Fire Levy is restricted to 1% annual growth, regardless of growth in assessed values, unless approved by voters. This type of vote is known as a “lid lift.”

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Levy
The EMS Levy is a voter approved levy based upon $.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. This levy must be renewed by voters every few years. The total revenue generated by the EMS levy is restricted to 1% annual growth, regardless of growth in assessed values, unless approved by voters. This type of vote is known as a “lid lift.”

Fire Benefit Charge
The Fire Benefit Charge is a voter approved service charge based upon the square footage of buildings on the property, rather than on assessed valuation. The smaller the square footage, the less you pay. The Fire Benefit Charge must be renewed by voters every few years.

Ambulance Fee
When someone is taken to the hospital by the fire department, a fee is charged. The fire department bills the person’s insurance company based on standard charges and the Medicare fee schedule. Citizens residing in Central Pierce Fire & Rescue are not billed directly for ambulance service above what insurance coverage provides.

Other
Other types of revenue received by Central Pierce Fire & Rescue include interest earnings, fire protection contracts for schools, Pierce County, etc.

 

 

 

CPF&R EXPENDITURES

Central Pierce Fire & Rescue spends money in five general categories.

Personnel
The largest expenditure is personnel costs. Central Pierce Fire & Rescue operates with 167 professional firefighters and paramedics, 10 chief officers, 23 administrative personnel and 33 community volunteers.

Facilities & Equipment
This category accounts for all expenditures associated with operating ten fire stations including utilities, computers and building maintenance. The equipment component accounts for fire engines, ambulances, as well as the equipment on those vehicles (heart monitors, jaws of life, etc.).

Training
It takes extensive training to be prepared for emergencies today. Our firefighters must train continually to be prepared for fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents and specialized rescue situations (drowning, climbing accident, building collapse, etc.).

Community Programs
Training is provided to the public in the areas of fire and injury prevention. Fire safety programs are provided to all 25 elementary schools in the district. Additional community programs include: CPR and first aid classes, fire extinguisher classes, free smoke alarms with installation and low-cost, custom fit bicycle helmets.

Other
This category includes expenses such as dispatch services, insurance, printing, postage, medications for the ambulances, legal services, office supplies, etc