EVERETT — The North County Fire Board of Commissioners approved a resolution Wednesday to place a levy lid lift on the August special election ballot.
The current fire levy sits at $1.32 per $1,000 of assessed property value. On Aug. 5, voters will decide if they want to increase the levy rate to $1.50 per $1,000. In 2020, voters approved a $1.50 rate, but state revenue limits have lowered it over time, fire authority spokesperson Kari Wheeler wrote in a press release. The fire levy makes up most of North County Fire’s revenue, Wheeler said, and goes toward both fire and emergency medical services.
North County Fire serves much of northern Snohomish County, including Arlington and Stanwood. For a home valued at $500,000, the average in the area, property taxes would increase by about $7.50 per month, or $90 per year.
“At the end of the day, this is about saving lives and protecting property,” North County Fire Capt. Kirk Normand said in the release. “We’re all working together to make sure our crews have the tools and support they need to do the job safely and effectively.”
Fire engine and ambulance prices have nearly doubled since 2020, Wheeler said. If approved, the new levy rate would fund two fire engine replacements, six ambulances and a ladder truck refurbishment. The funds would also support firefighter wages and renovations at Station 90, allowing for more emergency personnel.
“Call volumes have gone up 26% in just three years,” North County Fire Chief Dave Kraski said in the release. “More calls mean higher costs for personnel, equipment, and medical supplies – and that’s on top of inflation. This funding is essential to replace aging apparatus and maintain the speed and quality of response our community relies on.”
Jenna Peterson: 425-339-3486; jenna.peterson@heraldnet.com; X: @jennarpetersonn.
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