Mill Creek Residents Learn More About South County Fire

The Mill Creek City Council has taken a significant step by unanimously passing a resolution to place an annexation request into South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue on the April 26, 2022 Special Election ballot. This initiative is geared towards offering Mill Creek residents the lowest possible costs for fire and emergency medical services, based on the latest figures available. South County Fire, which serves approximately 270,000 residents across several cities and unincorporated areas, operates 14 fire stations, many of which are near Mill Creek. In 2021, the agency responded to over 30,000 calls, with a substantial majority being EMS-related. The funding for South County Fire is structured around a fire levy and a fire benefit charge, which reduces the reliance on traditional property taxes by introducing a fee system based on property characteristics.

If the annexation is approved, homeowners with an average assessed value will pay an estimated total of $882. 73 annually for fire services. The city is proactive in encouraging residents and businesses to learn more about the benefits of this annexation and the services provided by South County Fire. Detailed information can be found on the City’s website, promoting informed community engagement on this crucial decision.