The provision of emergency medical services is a governmental function in support of public health and safety. The city of Everett, pursuant to RCW 35.27.370(15) and other authority has, since the enactment in 1974 of Ordinance No. 282-74, provided fire department emergency medical services and other emergency responses for the city of Everett and for other cities with which it has contracted for such services. The provision of transportation of patients by ambulance or other suitable conveyance to the hospital, clinic or other location where professional medical care is available is a necessary element of the emergency medical service function. As part of these services to the community, the city has established and maintained both ALS and BLS medical services. The fire department provision of BLS services began in 1974 with primary financial support from the general fund. The fire department provision of ALS services began in 1983 with the passage of the first EMS property tax levy. The cost of ALS medical services comes primarily from the EMS fund with supplemental support in some years from the general fund. In addition, some incidental expenses for BLS medical services are paid out of the EMS fund. Because of the impact of Initiative Measure 747, the current EMS funding is now inadequate to maintain even the requirements of the current level of ALS and BLS service much less to meet the anticipated future needs of the city for ALS and BLS service. It is the goal and intent of this chapter that: