Proposition 1 - November 2026 General Election
LEVY INFORMATION
Our daily operations are funded through voter-approved property tax levies. In 2018, the voters approved a tax levy rate of $1.27 per $1,000 of assessed property value. However, the tax levy rate for the fire district is currently $0.86 per $1,000 of assessed property value. We appreciate your personal and financial support, and your investment makes it possible for us to respond quickly, protect lives and property, and serve our community every day.
Maintaining Emergency Services for our Community
The Board of Fire Commissioners is asking voters to consider a levy lid lift in the November 3, 2026, General Election to increase the District's levy from $0.86 per $1000 of assessed valuation to $1.24 per $1000 of assessed valuation. If approved, funding would be used to cover higher costs to maintain emergency medical services (EMS) at the current service level.
If approved, the increase of $0.38 per $1,000 in the tax levy rate would cost the owner of a home assessed at $400,000 $12.67 per month to help your fire district to maintain emergency medical services at the same service level but providing it to more homes and businesses.
Costs to Provide Services Continue to Rise
Growth in the fire district has increased, as have the basic costs of providing service. In five years, fire apparatus and ambulance maintenance costs have increased. In some categories increases have exceeded 10% per year. Vehicle maintenance and repair costs have consistently outpaced the overall increases in the Consumer Price Index. Medical supplies for basic and advanced life support have increased 60% each year. Other costs that have risen 6%-8% annually include personal protective equipment and materials used for firefighter and EMT training.
Why Levy Rates
Decrease Over Time?
Levy rates fall as property values rise, including increases in existing property values and with new construction. Washington law limits the amount the fire district can increase its tax levy rate to 1% over the amount of taxes in the previous year, plus taxes on new construction at the current rate. This is called "levy erosion." That is why a fire district occasionally asks voters to consider a lid lift to restore levy rates to the amounts originally approved.
New homes and businesses increase property values, which drives the levy rate down further. This means Franklin County Fire District #3 must cover new development with less revenue than it costs to provide service.
New housing developments have been added to the fire district. This means the fire district must protect more homes and residents while having a tax levy rate less than the 2018 approved levy amount to provide the same service to more homes and businesses.