Snohomish Fire has EMS levy lift on August ballots

In Snohomish, voters will have the opportunity in August to consider a measure aimed at restoring the fire district's EMS levy to 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, an increase from the current 36 cents. Fire Chief Don Waller highlighted that this adjustment is necessary to keep pace with rising operational costs and to recruit additional firefighter-paramedics to handle the increasing volume of emergency calls. With EMS calls accounting for over 80% of the district's total calls, the levy lift would result in an additional $70 per year for owners of $500,000 properties. Inflation has significantly impacted costs, with medical supplies and ambulance prices nearly doubling over the past six years. The fire district, which serves around 32,000 residents across 60 square miles, responded to approximately 4,300 calls last year—a 10% increase from previous years.

If the levy lift is approved, the district plans to purchase an additional response unit and hire new personnel to enhance emergency services. To engage the community, the fire district will disseminate information through newsletters and public meetings. Meanwhile, officials are seeking volunteers for 'Pro' and 'Con' committees to craft statements for the voter’s pamphlet, with applications due by April 4.