In response to the Auburn Reporter letter to the editor (July 27) regarding the Valley Regional Fire Authority’s Proposition 1, there seems to be some confusion regarding the issues.

First, it is not a new fee or a fee increase – simply permission to continue with the same funding formula for another six years. The VRFA has used this formula for years and could have raised it much higher, but did not. This maintains a responsible level below the maximum allowed by law – hardly a blank check, and which requires approval from elected officials from the three cities that create their board.

Secondly, there has not been a huge increase as stated by the writer. Over five years, the average residential customer has seen a $5.57 per year increase (a .01-percent change) – with the result being quicker response times, more highly trained firefighter/emergency medical technicians, and better equipment in more stations.

The fire benefit charge approval in Proposition 1 does not pay for construction of stations, as asserted by the writer. The necessary construction of an additional station and expansion of others were needed and paid for by dedicated bond monies. The fire benefit charge authorized by Proposition 1 pays for the operating budget – the men and women with the boots on the ground who respond to emergencies.

The ladder truck was a critical addition to our community, lending additional firefighting capabilities equipped specifically for the community needs. Maintenance is performed in Kent; no one flies in from anywhere.

There have been several community meetings held at each of the fire stations during July to inform our citizens, hardly a secret – as claimed by the writer. Additionally, there is much information available at www.vrfa.org regarding the ballot measure.

Be an informed voter. Vote yes on Proposition 1 before Aug. 7 to continue the increasingly excellent service we have been provided over the past five years. It may save a life.

– Donna Foxley