Two propositions put forth by fire districts will appear on Lewis County ballots in the August primary election, with one from Napavine’s Fire District No. 5 and one from Chehalis’ Fire District No. 6.
The Napavine measure proposes a multiple year permanent levy lift.
According to the informational statement in the voter’s pamphlet, District No. 5 responded to 1,291 calls for emergency medical care, fire suppression and other emergencies in 2021 — a 20% increase from 2019. While firefighters are responding to more calls, the statutorily approved rate has fallen from 74 cents per $1,000 of assessed value to 58 cents per $1,000 due to the 1% statutory limitation.
The proposal would maintain the levy rate of $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed value for 2023 and provide for a limit factor up to 6% in the succeeding five years.
Essentially, to meet increased demand for fire protection operations, Lewis County Fire District 5 needs additional revenue to serve the increasing number of homes and businesses.
If the measure is approved, property owners would pay a rate of $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed value on their properties. A taxpayer with the average home value of $300,000 would anticipate an increased tax of $17.34 per month if passed. Senior citizens or persons with disabilities may qualify for a state tax exemption.
Chehalis’ proposition is an emergency medical services levy continuation.
In 2012, Lewis County Fire District No. 6 voters approved a 10-year, 25 cent emergency medical service “EMS” levy. The 2012 EMS levy will expire at the end of this year unless the voters approve this measure. If approved, the measure will authorize the fire district to continue its EMS property tax levy at a rate not to exceed 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation for an additional 10 years, according to the voter’s pamphlet.
If the levy is approved, the EMS levy on a $300,000 assessed valuation residence would not exceed $150 each year or approximately $12.50 per month for emergency medical services.
