As your fire chief, I want to explain an issue on your November 3 General Election ballot.
South County Fire is proposing Proposition 1, a Fire and EMS Construction Bond that would fund essential improvements to fire stations and emergency response facilities across our service area, impacting every resident we serve.
South County Fire operates 15 neighborhood fire stations. An independent assessment found that 10 stations need replacement or major upgrades. Nearly half of our fire stations could be inoperable following a major earthquake.
At the same time emergency calls have increased 30% over the past decade.
Fire stations do more than house emergency vehicles. Between emergency calls, firefighters clean and decontaminate equipment, train, eat and sleep at their fire station.
The condition and layout of these facilities directly affect firefighter safety, our daily operations and emergency response.
If approved, Proposition 1 would:
- Replace 6 aging fire stations that no longer meet modern safety or operational standards.
- Renovate and seismically upgrade 4 existing fire stations.
- Build 4 new fire stations to meet growing demand and help maintain response times.
- Upgrade other essential facilities that support emergency response.
Most of these station needs were first identified a decade ago. Plans were delayed by the COVID-10 pandemic. Further delays are projected to increase costs by about 5% every year.
If approved, the bond would cost an estimated $11.32 per month, or $135.80 per year, for a home valued at $700,000 — considered average for South County Fire’s service area.
If you have questions about Proposition 1, you can find answers at southsnofire.org/bond, including a station-by-station analysis and a cost calculator. You can also email questions to electioninfo@southsnofire.org or call 425-670-5319.
We thank you for the opportunity to serve every day.
Sincerely,
Shaughn Maxwell
Fire Chief, South County Fire
COMMENTARY DISCLAIMER: The views and comments expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Lynnwood Times nor any of its affiliates.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
