City of Kent

Law enforcement agencies across King County rely on the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to prevent wrongful convictions and keep our criminal justice system running efficiently. If passed, King County Measure 1 would once again renew funding for the regional AFIS system levy for seven years.

Last approved in 2018, the levy would renew funding for AFIS at a lower rate – $0.0275 per $1,000 in assessed property value – than the existing levy. The levy renewal is estimated to cost the owner of a $845,000 home approximately $23 in its first year, raising its low rate by 1% annually for the following six years it is in effect.

AFIS is an enhanced forensic fingerprint and palmprint tool for both identification and exoneration. It ensures that the administration of justice in our county is using the most up-to-date and accurate technology available. AFIS has responded to more than 5,000 crime scenes and processed nearly 26,000 items of evidence in the past two years alone. The system holds nearly 3 million identification records that expedite the justice process and allow for better use of other tax-funded forensic resources.

AFIS has been an asset to victims, defendants, and the community since 1986. Vote Yes to renew funding for this important technology that keeps our communities safe.

We all benefit when our crisis response resources have stable funding and are distributed effectively. King County Fire Protection District 40 Proposition 1 would combine the district with the Renton Regional Fire Authority (RRFA) to ensure a smooth operation of services and strategic use of district funding.

Currently, King County’s Fire Protection District 40 contracts heavily from the RRFA. As a result, this proposition is not expected to change services in the district. Rather, the district leadership feels that by annexing into RRFA, the district can reduce costs for residents in the long term and improve representation of the district in fire authority decisions.

If Proposition 1 passes, local funding would shift from Fire District 40 to the RRFA. Importantly, District 40 residents will have greater representation on the governance board. In addition, District 40 residents will be able to vote on all RRFA ballot measures relating to taxation.

When it comes to crisis response, it is critical that residents can rely on a fully funded, efficient fire district. Vote Yes on King County Fire Protection District 40 Proposition 1 to keep our district safe and running smoothly.