I would like to respond to the letter written by Dan Shields (Auburn Reporter, Aug. 22) as the information he provided is not correct.

When the Valley Regional Fire Authority was proposed to the people residing in Algona, Auburn, and Pacific in November 2006, the planning committee made a commitment to the average Auburn residential taxpayer. The message was clear – there would be an increase, but it would not exceed $60 in Auburn. We knew an increase was needed to maintain the level of service, but felt it would be nominal. 

The voters in all three cities overwhelmingly approved the creation of the VRFA and its funding, knowing about the increase. When the first VRFA budget was developed in 2007, the board approved the funding with a $38 annual increase ($3.16 a month) – far less than we anticipated. A promise was made, and that promise was kept. Just this year, the average residential customer saw an annual reduction of $20, with an increase in the service level.

The capital facilities improvements and ladder truck acquisition were to ensure all areas of the three communities in the service area received improved coverage. The long-planned fire station in Lakeland, the expansion and renovation of the South Auburn station, the renovation/construction of the Lea Hill fire station, and the ladder truck were proposed to the voters in 2008. With strong support from the communities and voters, the bond issue overwhelmingly passed and the projects are underway.

The Lakeland fire station opened in December 2009, the fifth response station, which provides important service to that community. The opening of that station was equally important to Algona & Pacific, with our engine company now available more often in the valley. This means faster response times when citizens are in need of emergency services.  Again, the voters had full knowledge of the issues and chose to approve the bonds.

Regarding the parked compact utility vehicles, they may be idle during the lunch hour or while our prevention staff is working on reports, but they are frequently being used by our deputy fire marshals and public information and education officers as they perform their inspections, investigations, and other duties in the nearly 40 square miles of responsibility.  Last year, these vehicles were acquired to replace the gas guzzling full size trucks and high mileage vans that had been due for replacement.

The VRFA has a team of public safety professionals ready to serve you.  The professional firefighters who you see every day answering the calls for service in the community are the most familiar face. To do their jobs, they need quality equipment and extensive training and we have a small group of equally important administrative professionals who support our responders. 

In the 3½ years of existence, the VRFA has exceeded the expectations of the nine elected officials who oversee the Authority – providing improved service at a cost less than was anticipated.

The VRFA was the first fire authority in the state of Washington and has established the standard.  Many other municipalities are forming authorities because of the success of the VRFA.

David Hill is chairman of the VRFA Board of Governance and Algona Mayor.