CAMANO ISLAND – A fire levy that would raise rates for the first time since 1992 appears to be passing, but firefighters aren’t declaring victory yet.
Camano Island Fire and Rescue, which sought the largest fire levy increase on Tuesday’s ballot, is awaiting the final vote count, Chief Tom Fields said Wednesday.
“We really won’t know anything for sure until then,” he said.
Camano Island sought an increase from 75 cents to $1.25 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The measure was narrowly succeeding, with a 51.4 percent yes vote as of Wednesday.
The measure requires a simple majority to pass.
The final vote count won’t be certified until May 28, but Island County Auditor Suzanne Sinclair said she expects the narrow majority to hold.
The levy will cost the owner of a $200,000 home $100 more a year, an increase from $150 to $250.
The money is earmarked to replace aging fire equipment, add five firefighter-paramedics and improve emergency medical services.
The levy also would allow firefighters to provide paramedic service instead of contracting with an ambulance company.
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