Mountlake Terrace voters to weigh South County Fire annexation

The city council also passed a $1.69 million general property tax levy reduction to mitigate higher fire taxes.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Mountlake Terrace in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118

MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — Property owners in Mountlake Terrace could see tax relief next year if voters approve annexation into South County Fire.

In a series of unanimous votes Tuesday, the Mountlake Terrace City Council approved putting the annexation on the April 25 special election, ending its emergency medical services levy and reducing its general property tax levy.

All of it is contingent on voters approving annexation.

The switch could cost property owners more in taxes for the regional fire authority’s services. But the council would cut the city’s general property tax levy collection by $1.69 million next year if the annexation vote is successful. That would offset some of the higher property taxes.

“I believe it is important for us to reduce the amount of property taxes paid by our residents the full amount of the fire services that we are paying for,” Council member Bryan Wahl said.

City leaders have discussed the future of fire and emergency medical services over the past two months. Its current 20-year deal with South County Fire expires at the end of next year.

If the city pursued a new long-term contract, it would pay a rate identical to existing members and residents of the fire authority. Assistant City Manager Stephen Clifton told the council that would be another $3 million from its general property tax levy, which covers most city departments including parks and police.

“The city is at a crossroads,” Clifton said.

The council considered reducing the general property tax levy revenue between $1.74 million, the full amount, and none of it as an incentive to voters. Council members said there are a lot of uses for that money if the city kept it, from road work to addressing derelict properties.

“I know the most feedback I get is that our roads are shameful,” Council member Steve Woodard said.

At the request of newly appointed Council member Rory Paine-Donovan, the council unanimously voted to reserve $50,000 of its current general property tax levy used for fire service as utility bill relief that residents could apply for. The other $1.69 million would “go back” to property owners through a lower levy rate to help offset the overall increase for South County Fire’s levies.

South County Fire has emergency medical and fire service levies, as well as a benefit charge based on building size and if the building is commercial or residential. Those amount to an equivalent levy of $1.22 per $1,000 of assessed value.

People who need emergency medical and fire services in Mountlake Terrace likely won’t notice a change if they annex into South County Fire, which already serves the city on a contract and out of the fire station on the civic campus.

Under an annexation agreement, the city could continue using the ground floor and ownership of Fire Station 19.

Last year, 75% of Mill Creek voters approved annexation into South County Fire.

Brier voters also will vote on annexation into South County Fire in the April special election.

Ben Watanabe: 425-339-3037; bwatanabe@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @benwatanabe.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

An American Robin picks a berry from a holly tree on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Calling all birders for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count

The Audubon Society will hold its 28th annual Great Backyard… Continue reading

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

Aaron Kennedy / The Herald
The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide.
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

Lynnwood
Lynnwood police: 1 suspect in custody, 1 at large after attempted carjacking

Beverly Elementary School went into a precautionary lockdown Thursday afternoon. Numerous officers continue to search for the second suspect.

Candidates announce campaigns for Everett city council seat

Ryan Crowther, founder of the Everett Music Initiative, will challenge incumbent Paula Rhyne for the District 2 seat.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.