Snohomish County Fire levy will fund district needs

Published 1:30 am Thursday, June 15, 2023

On Aug. 1, Snohomish County residents within Fire District 21 will have an opportunity to continue to support their local fire department. Proposition 1 will ask voters to renew the current fire levy that passed in 2018.

District 21 has seen substantial growth since 2018 when the last levy passed. The district also needs to invest in staff and equipment.

Through attending Commissioner Meetings since 2017, I have personally seen the department’s work to ensure citizen protection and to make sure they continue to provide the same level if not greater service to taxpayers.

Under the direction of Chief Schmidt and the Commissioners, District 21 has been successful in opening Station 50 on the south side of the district, something that we’ve needed for several years. Station 49 is unable to cover the entire 70 square miles, and the contract with North County EMS is more than the citizens of this district can afford to pay.

If this levy is not passed, Station 49 and 50 will be staffed with 2 firefighters each. This is not adequate protection. Our families and neighbors deserve an appropriate fire and emergency response. Investing in this district provides better protection for all of us in case we ever have to make that call to 911.

Please vote yes to pass this levy.

Laura Hofmann

Arlington