Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue votes to put levy lift on ballot

Published 1:30 am Friday, April 17, 2026

EVERETT — The Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue board approved a 6-year emergency medical services levy lift to be on the ballot Aug. 4, a press release said.

Commissioners approved the ballot proposal during their regular meeting April 9.

The fire district will ask voters to restore their property tax rates back to 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, as previously approved in 2017. Since then, the levy rate has declined to 26 cents per $1,000 due to growth and changes in property values.

“As access to health care has become more unpredictable, community members look to our emergency medical personnel more than ever,” Fire Chief Brian Park said in the release. “We want to ensure every person who calls for our services has access to a trained staff person, reliable emergency transportation and the proper medical equipment to meet their needs.”

Fire districts do not receive funding from the county or local cities to provide emergency medical services. Voter-approved funding pays for ambulances, equipment, staff training and ensures funding keeps pace with inflation.

Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue serves residents in Lake Stevens, Monroe, parts of Mill Creek and Maltby, along with southeast unincorporated Snohomish County.

A page dedicated to the levy lift is expected to be live on srfr.org early next week. That’s where times and locations for informational meetings will appear, spokesperson Kaitlin King said Thursday.

Taylor Scott Richmond: 425-339-3046; taylor.richmond@heraldnet.com; X: @BTayOkay