STANWOOD, Wash. – The North County Regional Fire Authority (“North County Fire & EMS”) Board of Fire Commissioners has approved a resolution to place a fire levy lid lift on the August 5, 2025 primary election ballot. The proposal would help fund replacement of aging emergency vehicles, firefighter wages, and station renovations.
The current fire levy of $1.32 per $1,000 of assessed property value is no longer enough to meet growing demand for emergency services and rising operational costs.
“Call volumes have gone up 26% in just three years,” said Fire Chief Dave Kraski. “More calls mean higher costs for personnel, equipment, and medical supplies – and that’s on top of inflation. This funding is essential to replace aging apparatus and maintain the speed and quality of response our community relies on.”
Captain Kirk Normand agrees. “At the end of the day, this is about saving lives and protecting property,” he said. “We’re all working together to make sure our crews have the tools and support they need to do the job safely and effectively.”
The fire levy provides most of the authority’s revenue and supports both fire suppression and emergency medical services (EMS), which now make up 84% of all calls.
Voters last approved a fire levy lid lift in 2020. Since then, operational costs and equipment prices have surged. A fire engine that once cost $600,000 now runs $1 million. Ambulances have nearly doubled in price, from $250,000 to $500,000.
To meet these challenges, the Board is asking voters to restore the fire levy to the previously approved rate of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. State-imposed revenue limits have gradually reduced the levy rate, even as property values increased.
If approved, the levy lid lift would allow the fire authority to replace two fire engines, purchase one ambulance annually for six years, and refurbish a ladder truck. It would also support firefighter wages and help complete renovations at Station 90 (Kackman) to house additional emergency personnel.
The proposed 18-cent lid lift would cost the owner of a $500,000 home–an average for the area–about $7.50 more per month, or $90 per year.
For more information, visit www.northcountyfireems.com, or contact Fire Chief Dave Kraski at dkraski@northcountyfirems.com or 425-754-0806.
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North County Regional Fire Authority (known as North County Fire & EMS) provides fire and life safety services to 47,000 residents over 120 square miles, including the cities of Stanwood and Arlington. North County Fire & EMS emergency personnel respond to approximately 10,000 calls each year – 84% of which are EMS-related. The fire authority operates under a balanced budget and has a history of passing its financial and accountability audits. Visit www.northcountyfireems.com.
