By Leslie Moriarty
Herald Writer
SNOHOMISH — There will be a property tax question facing voters here come November.
The Snohomish City Council has approved placing a tax levy on the Nov. 6 general election ballot to fund advance life-support services.
The resolution that will appear on the ballot calls for 30 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation to fund advanced paramedics in the Snohomish Fire District 4 area.
Snohomish is under contract with Fire District 4 for fire protection services. The district has emergency medical services, but not advanced life-support paramedics.
If the measure passes, the money collected, about $650,000, would be used to hire and train personnel who could respond to more complex medical emergencies. Additionally, the money would be used for equipment and to alter fire station facilities as needed.
Currently, the district provides advanced medical services through other fire departments. Fire District 4 contracts with Monroe, Clearview and Lake Sevens to answer the calls that require advanced paramedics.
But Fire District 4 Chief Bob Merritt said he is concerned about the response times.
"In some cases, it’s 10 to 12 minutes," he said. "That’s a concern in a life-and-death situation."
In contrast, if advanced medical services are provided by Fire District 4 personnel, the response time is four to six minutes, he said.
Areas outside the city are served by the district, and the board that governs the district has already approved the measure to be placed on the November ballot. The city council’s approval was required, too.
A majority of residents in both areas must pass the measure.
If the measure passes, the average homeowner with property assessed at $200,000 would pay about $60 a year for the services.
Councilman Kurt Meacham said he voted for the levy to be on the ballot to give citizens the chance to decide for themselves.
"I’m prepared to let them make the decision," he said.
Councilman Chris Lundvall said while he is concerned about the cost, he also is concerned about response times.
"If we have it here in District 4, we will have faster service," he said.
This is a one-year levy. Voters would have to approve funding for the second year in a mail-in ballot next June.
You can call Herald Writer Leslie Moriarty at 425-339-3436
or send e-mail to moriarty@heraldnet.com.
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