Initial results of the Aug. 1 primary election show that Renton voters want to restore the Renton Regional Fire Authority’s regular property tax levy rate (currently approximately $.61 per thousand of assessed valuation) to its 2018 levy rate of $1 per $1,000 to “to maintain and adequately fund Renton Regional Fire Authority’s operations.”

Vote counts reported on Aug. 4 show that Proposition 1 is passing with 61.48% of votes counted being in favor of the fire protection and emergency services levy.

Those results come from a total of 14,998 counted, 23.12 percent of registered voters in Renton.

According to a statement in favor of Proposition 1, submitted to the King County Elections website by community members Diane Dobson and Jason Parker, the measure addresses financial challenges set by Washington State’s 1 percent revenue growth cap and rising inflation, ensuring Renton Regional Fire Authority secures the funds necessary to maintain operations effectively.

“Our community’s rapid growth amplifies the demand for reliable emergency services,” read the submitted statement. “Proposition 1 provides Renton RFA the means to meet this increasing demand, sustaining our community’s high safety standards and supporting the replacement of Renton’s oldest fire station with a new, 50-year station in one of Renton’s fastest growing areas.”

There was no statement officially submitted in opposition of Proposition 1 on the King County Elections website.