THANK YOU VOTERS!

Thank you District 24 voters for approving Proposition 1, the 2023 EMS levy lift. The EMS levy helps fund the volunteer EMTs and paramedics that serve the community, along with the training equipment they need to perform their jobs safely and effectively.

Some of the specific things funded by the EMS levy include:
– Stipends for fire district volunteers who leave their jobs and families to respond to emergency medical calls.
– CPR and first aid training for ambulance drivers.
– Initial EMT certification classes for fire district volunteers.
– Required ongoing education to keep our EMTs and paramedics up to date on the latest medical care.
– Guest instructors to teach classes relevant to the district and the people who live and work here.
– Sending EMTs and paramedics to attend specialized education at other departments or conferences.
– Purchasing medical supplies and personal protective equipment.

1. What is a levy lift?
   When a fire district passes a levy there is a cap on the maximum amount they can collect per year. In this case, the cap is based on the EMS levy put in place back in 2011. A levy lift resets or “lifts” the cap to allow the fire district to collect the full amount of the levy. A levy lift is not a new levy. It simply restores an existing levy to the full amount approved by voters. You can learn more about levy lifts on the WA Department of Revenue website.
2. How will the levy lift affect my taxes?
   It is estimated that the levy lift will cost District 24 property owners around $9 a month, or $108 a year. The exact amount varies depending on the assessed value of each property.
3. I want to know the exact impact of the levy lift on my property taxes.
   No problem! First, go to either the Snohomish County Assessor website or the Skagit County Property Search website and find the assessed value of your property. Then, divide that number by $1000. Multiple the result by 0.23. That will give you the amount the levy lift will impact your property taxes.
4. I’m already having a hard time making ends meet, I’m not sure I can afford a change in my property taxes.
   We hear you! It’s been a difficult few years for everyone, and the fire district wouldn’t have asked for a levy lift if it wasn’t critical. Fortunately, Snohomish County, Skagit County, and the State of Washington have various property tax exemption programs available. You can learn more on the Snohomish County website or the Skagit County website.