By Eric Mathison
Burien faces two major roadblocks to achieving its goals, especially in the areas of economic development and capitalizing on its diverse population, City Manager Mike Martin noted to city lawmakers on March 26.

Crime is perceived as a big problem and the public school system is viewed as troubled, according to Martin.

To combat these problems, Martin unveiled at the March 26 council study session, a proposed “Kids and Cops Initiative.”

The 6-year initiative, using an increase in utility taxes, would need to be approved by Burien voters.

The first two years involve a “surge” of increased funding for Burien police. Martin proposes spending $1.8 million- $2.3 million to add an additional 8-10 Burien police officers. Another $500,000 would go for discretionary public safety funding.

Martin hopes the surge would change the public’s perception of high crime rates in Burien.

Following the two years of extra funding for police, the focus would shift for the next four years to Burien’s elementary schools where $300,000-$400,000 would be targeted to some of the schools.

The funds would directly be granted to some Burien elementaries to go for needs or programs chosen by each school.

“It is unrealistic to fund all Burien elementaries,” Martin said. “We don’t want to give a small amount of money and then expect big results.”

He said if Burien annexes White Center and North Highline, the program could expand to elementaries in those areas.

The schools and city would agree on performance measures and the two-year grants could be renewed for another two years.

“As long as kids are not reaching their potential, the community cannot reach its potential. It’s a fact, Martin declared.

On crime, Martin emphasized that Burien’s problems are no worse than neighboring jurisdictions.

“There are urban myths. In Burien, it’s crime,” Martin declared. “Some view this as the Wild West but it is not.

He presented 2010 crime statistics showing Burien’s violent crime incidents at 54 per 1,000 residents. In neighbor’s communities the statistics per thousand were SeaTac, 56; Seattle, 60; and Kent, 56.

For property crime, Burien experienced 44 incidences per 1,000 population while SeaTac had 51, Seattle, 54; and Kent, 51.

Police Chief Scott Kimerer said there are many ways the extra cops could be used. He said continuing analysis would show where the focus should be.

But he emphasized that even with the extra officers, Burien encompasses too large an area to make patrolling residential neighborhoods a plausible idea.

Deputy Mayor Rose Clark noted that Burien’s contract with King County for police services allows the temporary hiring of officers. After the two-year surge, the extra officers could be absorbed in other areas of the county, she said.
Martin pointed to Burien’s regular surveys of residents as a place where changing perceptions could be measured.

City Councilwoman Lucy Krakowiak said she favors increased funding for public safety but said educational reforms should be left to the Highline School District.

Under Martin’s plan, after two years the police focus would switch to providing funding for specific programs in Burien’s elementary schools for four years.

Martin emphasized that city officials would not dictate how the money would be spent.

“The principals are very precise in what they need and it is different in each school,” Martin declared.

Martin gave examples of what Highline educators told him they needed to be successful.

These include tutoring intervention, teacher training, parental involvement, a longer school day and holistic approaches such as nutrition and dental care.

Improved third grade reading score would be the “gold standard” in determining whether the kids’ initiative is successful, according to Martin.

Currently, third-grade reading scores in Burien public elementaries are almost 10 percent below the state average, Martin noted. Approximately 73 percent of third-graders in the state are reading at grade level while in Burien, about 64 percent meet that standard.

Seventy-two percent of Burien elementary students qualify for free or reduced meals while statewide only about 44 percent are eligible. Nearly 30 percent of Burien elementary students are transitioning into becoming proficient in English as opposed to about 9 percent statewide.

Finance director Kim Krause said the city would use two sources to raise the revenue for the 6-year initiative.

The city would increase Seattle City Light franchise fees to 6 percent. Burien would need to give City Light a one-year notice before raising the fees.

Krause estimated the fee hike would raise slightly over $1 million.

The other funding source would need voter approval.

The city would propose increasing utility tax rates to 8.25 percent. The rates would include service for electricity, natural gas, cable and telephone.

Both funding options would increase revenue by a total of $2.09 million and cost the average household or business about $12.57 per month, according to Krause.

Councilman Jack Block Jr. encouraged staffers to look for other funding options.

The council is expected to discuss further the proposed initiative in April.

“City managers usually build cities through bricks and mortars,” Martin reflected. “This is investing in human capital.”