Voters to decide on Fire District 4's EMS levy tax lift request

Snohomish County Fire District 4 is asking voters to approve a 14-cent increase in its EMS levy rate, currently at 36 cents per $1,000 assessed property value. The request responds to rising operational costs, including a 100% increase in medical supplies and a 92% rise in insurance costs. If the levy lid lift is approved, owners of properties valued at $500,000 will pay an additional $5. 83 monthly in taxes. Fire Chief Don Waller stated that the community has consistently supported the district, which responds to 4,300 calls annually, with 80% being EMS-related.

Opponent Morgan Davis, who lives outside the district, questions the necessity of the increase, citing a recent general levy restoration that funds fire station construction. Waller counters that the funds from the levy increase will allow hiring two additional firefighter/EMTs and cover training and supply costs. The fire district covers a 60-square-mile area with a population of 32,000. Ballots were mailed on July 17, and voters must submit them by August 5.