By Thad Hovis / For The Herald
South County Fire is asking voters to consider a benefit charge on the general election ballot on Nov. 3.
Our fire authority provides fire and emergency medical services for more than 250,000 people over 50 square miles in the city of Lynnwood and unincorporated southwest Snohomish County. The election would not apply to voters within the city limits of Brier, Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace. Residents of these cities receive emergency services through a contract with South County Fire.
Here’s how a benefit charge works. It replaces a portion of the fire levy with a charge that is based on a property’s size and use, as opposed to its assessed value. Smaller structures (such as single-family homes) pay less than larger developments (such as commercial buildings) because it costs less to defend them in a fire or other emergency.
The net result would be that almost 96 percent of homeowners would pay less or the same for service when the benefit charge takes effect in 2021. Visit our website and use our benefit charge calculator to see how this applies to your home at www.southsnofire.org/ElectionInfo.
Voters in more than a dozen Washington communities (including Shoreline, Woodinville, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park and Renton) have approved a benefit charge because they believe it is a fairer way to fund emergency services. In other words, why should two homes of the same size pay different amounts simply based on where they are located.
The benefit charge expires in six years unless renewed by voters. It’s important to note, too, that seniors, disabled persons, and low-income households maintain any current exemptions they have through the county. There is also a discount for fire alarms, sprinkler systems and undeveloped land.
We want to be more efficient in how we fund emergency services and thank you for considering our request. I also encourage you to contact us at ElectionInfo@southsnofire.org with your questions.
Thad Hovis is fire chief of South County Fire and Emergency Medical Service.
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