By Evan Smith
Voters in Snohomish County Fire District 1 will decide on a tax levy on the Nov. 8 ballot. It’s a renewal of the current levy rate.
The measure, Proposition 1, can pass with a simple majority.
Fire District 1 includes the unincorporated areas of Snohomish County between Everett and the Snohomish-King county line. It does not include the cities of Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace or Brier, all of which get service from the fire district by contract but are not part of the district, nor does it include Lynnwood, which Share a fire chief with Fire District 1.
Here is material that will appear in local voters’ pamphlets:
Fire District 1, Proposition No. 1
Ballot Title:
Fire District 1
Proposition No. 1
Re-authorization of Regular Property Tax Levy
The Board of Fire Commissioners of Fire Protection District No. 1, Snohomish County, Washington, adopted Resolution No. 07222016-10 re-authorizing a regular property tax levy of $1.50 per $1,000. This proposition would authorize the District to maintain its regular property tax levy of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for 2016 and thereafter subject to any otherwise applicable statutory dollar rate limitations. The dollar amount of this levy would be used for the purpose of computing the limitations for subsequent levies under RCW 84.55.050.
Should this proposal be approved?
Levy Yes __
Levy No __
Explanatory Statement:
This measure renews and maintains the levy for Fire District 1 at the level previously approved by voters. This levy is the primary source of funding for fire and emergency services provided by Fire District 1. Maintaining the levy rate to $1.50 will also provide funds to maintain current service levels and provide required apparatus and equipment.
Pro Statement:
Proposition 1 asks you to reauthorize the regular fire levy at $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value, which has been in place since 2009.
Fire District 1 staffs each of its nine fire stations (Lake Serene, Silver Firs, Hilltop, Hilton Lake, Martha Lake, Mariner, Esperance, Keeler’s Corner, and Brier) with firefighters and paramedics who respond to emergencies in your neighborhood 24 hours a day. This regular fire levy and a levy for EMS are the primary revenue sources for Fire District 1. Over time, the levy rates fall, which decreases funding for the District.
Population within Fire District 1 is quickly increasing. Calls for service continue to rise. To keep up with that demand, Fire District 1 is hiring more firefighters, improving training, and adding new equipment. These investments will help you when the unexpected happens.
Fire District 1 innovates with programs like community paramedics, provides fire safety public education, and prepares for natural disasters. Fire District 1 has regionalized with other fire departments to improve service and economies of scale. From large emergencies to small emergencies, Fire District 1 is here to help you.
But now Fire District 1 needs your help. This levy lid lift, reauthorizing the fire levy at $1.50, will allow Fire District 1 to meet the demands of the future.
Please vote yes on Proposition 1 to support your firefighters.
Pro committee members:
Jim McGaughey, Thad Hovis, Jim Kenny
Con Statement:
No con statement submitted.
Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.
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