South County Fire’s proposed budget adds 30 firefighters, six administrative staff.
Published 1:30 am Thursday, October 23, 2025
EVERETT — The South County Fire Board of Commissioners opened public comment for the proposed 2026 budget, benefit charge and levies on Tuesday.
The 2026 budget will keep South County Fire among the lowest-cost emergency service providers in Snohomish County, according to a South County Fire press release.
At a cost increase of approximately $7 per month for the average homeowner, the 2026 funding proposal would add 30 firefighters and six administrative staff, the release said.
The budget intends to shift a slightly higher portion of funding onto the benefit charge, a fee based on a building’s size, use and hazards, rather than property taxes. The benefit charge for a 2,000-square-foot home would increase from $70.39 to $106.92, a difference of less than $37 for the year, the release said.
South County Fire has kept property taxes under the rate of inflation since the regional fire authority formed, the release said. Since 2018, the average yearly property tax increase has been below 1 percent.
The budget proposed a slightly decreased property tax levy rate of $1.15 per $1,000 of assessed property value compared to $1.16 in 2025, the release said.
No public comments were submitted at the Tuesday meeting. However, individuals can send comments to the board for submission at any upcoming public meeting, according to South County Fire spokesperson Christie Veley.
The board will take action on the proposed budget at the Nov. 18 meeting, Veley said.
Jenna Millikan: 425-339-3035; jenna.millikan@heraldnet.com; X: @JennaMillikan
