How would regional fire authority annexation impact my tax bill?
My Edmonds News has created an interactive tax calculator to aid Edmonds residents in navigating the financial implications of a proposed annexation into the South County Fire Regional Fire Authority (RFA), which is set to be voted on during the April 22 special election. This tool is designed to clarify taxpayer concerns about the varying costs of fire and emergency medical services, which have sparked significant debate. Users can input their assessed property values to receive a side-by-side comparison of their current tax bills versus projected bills if the RFA is approved. Fields marked in red indicate changes due to the RFA, while blue fields are editable for user customization. Notably, the calculator also includes anticipated city levy lifts, reflecting the city's budget needs.
However, it does not account for potential changes in tax rates or assessed valuations beyond 2025, urging caution among users. The article underscores the commitment of My Edmonds News to provide accurate, unbiased information to the community. As the debate heats up, this tool serves as a critical resource for informed voting.