Thanks to Arlington voters for approving fire, EMS merger

We are writing to thank voters in the City of Arlington for their strong support for annexing the Arlington Fire Department to North County Regional Fire Authority. Annexation is important to protect the quality and level of emergency services that City residents need.

Annexation officially takes effect on Aug. 1, 2021. As promised, the Ambulance Utility Fee will end at that time for city utility customers. Starting in 2022, the city will lower its general property tax levy when the levies for fire and EMS are in place for NCRFA. These levies will appear on tax statements for city property owners starting in 2022. Annexation does not affect the taxes of property owners already receiving service from NCRFA.

We want to reiterate that there will be no change to service for Arlington residents. There will still be the same number of stations and firefighters responding to calls, and participating in community events when it is safe to do so.

We will continue to report back to you as new information is available. In the meantime, thank you again for partnering with us to save lives and property.

Dave Kraski

Arlington Fire Department

Fire Chief John Cermak

North County Regional Fire Authority

Stanwood