EMS levy placed on ballot in Mukilteo

Published 10:16 pm Monday, May 17, 2010

MUKILTEO — City leaders hope voters will be willing to pay more for emergency medical services that respond when they dial 911.

They want them to approve a new, permanent Emergency Medical Services levy Aug. 17 to replace one that expires Dec. 31. If voters approve a 50-cent per $1,000 increase, it would raise an estimated $1.8 million a year for the service beginning next year, said Scott James, the city’s finance director.

The City Council on Monday voted 5-1 to put the matter before voters. Councilman Richard Emery voted against the plan. Councilman Kevin Stoltz was absent.

The easiest way to find out if people want the service is to have them vote on it, Council President Randy Lord said.

City officials say the levy is needed because the property taxes they collect aren’t keeping up with the costs to provide ambulance service.

Resident Charlie Pancerzewski said he supports keeping the levy rate at its present rate rather than increasing it.

Voters in 2004 approved a six-year EMS levy of 35 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.

The council, though, asked the county to collect less than that: 32 cents per $1,000.

Officials say the tax rate has since dropped to 23 cents from 32 cents per $1,000 of assessed value because property values rose through 2008. At the same time, they say, the cost to provide services has increased.

Costs have increased for two reasons: increased personnel expenses and vehicle replacement, James said.

Today, the owner of a $300,000 house pays $69 a year for EMS.

If voters OK the new levy, the tax rate will increase to a maximum of 50 cents per $1,000. At that rate, the owner of a $300,000 house would pay $140.25 a year in EMS taxes, an increase of $71.25.

The city’s overall property tax rate is $1.38 per $1,000.