Lewis County Fire District 5 is making a third attempt to pass a property tax levy lid lift to maintain and fund district operations.
If passed, the measure would permanently increase the Napavine-based fire district’s levy from approximately 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value to $1.20 per $1,000 of assessed value. Collection on the new rate would start in 2024.
The funds would maintain and improve fire protection, emergency medical services and facilities, replace apparatus and equipment, and provide for resident staffing of Station 2 on Jackson Highway, according to a statement the district submitted to the voter’s guide.
“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,” District 5 stated.
The district added that due to increased population over the last 10 years and a declining number of volunteer firefighters, “the district needs to maintain the current staffing levels to provide coverage of calls for emergency medical care, fire suppression, and other emergencies.”
District 5 attempted to pass a slightly higher levy proposal, $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed value, twice in the last two years. The measure failed by one vote in the August 2021 primary and by approximately 55 votes in the August 2022 primary, according to previous Chronicle reporting.
For more information or to contact Lewis County Fire District 5, visit http://lcfpd5.com/.
