KP Fire Update: A Price Cut and a Rejected Offer

As the Key Peninsula Fire District juggles tough decisions about property sales, future facilities, and funding, the board of commissioners is weighing short-term gains against long-term needs.

A lackluster real estate offer on a Key Center property, a sharply reduced asking price, and debate over whether to renovate or unload aging assets set the tone for the May 13 board meeting. All the while, survey results revealed little public appetite for ambitious new construction, and the clock is ticking on a critical EMS levy vote in August.

Price Drop, But No Bites Yet

Commissioner Stan Moffett reported just one offer so far on the Calahan property at 92nd St. NW and Key Peninsula Highway — one he deemed “unacceptable,” particularly because it included a financing request from the district. With limited interest after nearly six weeks on the market, the board unanimously voted to drop the asking price by $100,000 from $1.15 million to $1.05 million.

A Commissioner Makes His Case for Rental Revenue

Moffett urged the board not to rush into offloading the Olson Estate property, located next to Sunnycrest Nursery, despite consensus among commissioners in March that the deteriorating home wasn’t worth renovating. He suggested the district could recoup a $70,000 investment in repairs by renting the home over five years, potentially earning around $150,000 in that time, money he said could help offset other district costs.

He also pointed out that any new construction — likely a future headquarters — would be years away, possibly not starting until 2030, if a community bond is passed by then. “It behooves us to be responsible and make some money off (the property),” Moffett said.

Whether the house remains a liability or becomes an asset will depend on how quickly the board is willing to act. With every month the board delays a decision, the value of any potential return on renting the home shrinks.

Big Questions, Small Sample Size

Results from the second capital facilities survey are available on the KPFD website. The sample size is small: 55 people responded, representing 0.28% of the KP population.

The board welcomed the feedback, but with such limited participation, the survey offered a glimpse, not a mandate. Still, the results painted a clear picture: little public support for large-scale new construction. Respondents favored upgrades to current stations and improvements in equipment and response times. Support for replacing Station 46 in Key Center was minimal.

Notably, there was minimal support for a new centralized headquarters or training facility.

EMS Levy Lid Lift Campaign Kicks Off

With the Aug. 5 EMS levy lid lift vote approaching, Fire Chief Nick Swinhart offered to speak to community groups and HOAs to answer questions. Those interested can reach him directly at nswinhart@keypeninsulafire.org.