The Riverside Fire Authority’s proposition to renew its property tax levy at a rate of $1.35 per $1,000 of assessed value, up from the current $1.04 rate, for the next six years was passing as of initial counts on election night Tuesday, according to data released by the Lewis County Auditor’s Office.
The preliminary count released at 8:03 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6, showed Riverside’s measure passing at 61.54%, or 2,677 votes, in favor to 38.46%, or 1,673 votes, against.
The difference between the current $1.04 levy rate and $1.35 levy rate would be an increase of $2.61 per month for every $100,000 of assessed value, according to Riverside.
If the measure passes, the revenue would be used to improve firefighter staffing, fill positions that support fire and injury prevention, maintain fleet and facility repair schedules, expand and maintain firefighter training and wellness programs, and sustain the agency’s CARES program once the grant funding supporting the program runs out in 2025.
The Lewis County Auditor’s Office counted a total of 17,118 ballots on election night, with an estimated 1,500 ballots left to count. The next count will be released at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 7.
As of election night, the Lewis County Auditor’s Office estimated voter turnout to be 30.83%.
The election will be certified on Aug. 20.
