SNOHOMISH—Call volumes for Snohomish County Fire District 4 are on the rise. Firefighters and EMTs now respond to approximately 4,300 calls each year, with more than 80% for emergency medical service (EMS). However, funding is not keeping pace with the increasing demand for emergency services and the associated costs.
“We want to be up front with our community,” Fire Chief Don Waller said. “EMS is our most widely used emergency service. We require more first responders and resources to meet the growing needs of the community and continue providing high-quality emergency medical care.”
Beyond the rising call volume, inflation has significantly increased costs for personnel, equipment, and apparatus. Over the past six years, the price of an ambulance has nearly doubled—from just over $200,000 to $400,000—while annual medical supply costs have jumped from $61,000 to $124,000.
EMS and fire services are funded through separate property tax levies. In 2019, voters approved an EMS levy of $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. However, due to “levy compression,” which limits the district’s revenue growth to 1% annually despite rising property values, the rate has since dropped to $0.36.
To address these funding challenges, the Board of Fire Commissioners is considering asking voters to restore the EMS levy to $0.50 in the August 2025 primary election. If approved, the levy lid lift would fund EMS training, medical equipment, and supplies, as well as the hiring of two additional firefighter/paramedics per shift. This would improve response times and add an additional Advanced Life Support response unit—the highest level of pre-hospital care available.
Currently, emergency response units can be unavailable for two hours or more when transporting patients to hospitals, delaying response times for other incoming emergencies.
The Board of Fire Commissioners will meet on March 10 at 5:00 p.m. at Station 43 Training Annex (1525 Avenue D, Snohomish) to discuss whether to place an EMS levy lid lift on the August 5, 2025, primary election ballot. The community is encouraged to attend, learn more, and provide input.
Learn more at www.snohomishfire.org, or contact Fire Chief Don Waller at chief@snohomishfire.org or 360-568-2141.
Source: Snohomish County Fire District #4
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
