GRANITE FALLS — Snohomish County Fire District 17 in Granite Falls may float a ballot measure this fall for a permanent emergency medical services levy.
If approved by voters, the measure would keep the current levy rate at 50 cents per $1,000 in property value. The owner of a $200,000 house would pay $100 a year.
The current levy is set to expire next year, Fire Chief Jim Haverfield said.
Two public meetings are planned before fire commissioners decide whether to put the measure on the November ballot.
Citizens will be allowed to comment at the meetings, set for 7 p.m. June 26 and July 10 at the downtown fire station, 116 S. Granite Ave. The commissioners plan to vote on the matter at the second meeting.
About three-quarters of the fire district’s emergency calls are for medical issues, Haverfield said. The medical services levy helps pay for staffing, supplies and equipment.
Fire District 17 serves about 12,000 people over 38 square miles, including the city of Granite Falls. The 2014 operating budget is $1.77 million.
People also are encouraged to stop by the fire station to share their thoughts or email the chief at jim.haverfield@gffd17.org.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
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