Statement For · Renew EMS Levy
statement likely AICommittee: Steven Braun, David DeGon, Stephen Primmer, Connie Reinhardt
The proposed resolution for Spokane County Fire District 2, Fairfield and Mt. Hope areas of Spokane County, asks voters whether to continue the district’s existing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) property tax levy for another six years. The measure would continue the EMS levy at a rate not to exceed $0.50 per $1000 of assessed property value, as authorized under Washington state law for emergency medical services. The levy is a continuation of the current funding sources rather than the creation of a new tax. Revenue generated by the levy is dedicated exclusively to EMS. These funds help maintain the district’s current local ambulance operations, support emergency medical personnel, replace and maintain medical equipment, and ensure that ambulance and emergency response resources remain available to serve the community. According to the resolution, continuing the levy is intended to provide stable funding needed to maintain existing EMS operation and meet the ongoing emergency medical needs of District residents. A Yes vote authorizes Spokane County Fire District 2 to continue collecting the six-year EMS property tax levy at a rate not to exceed $.50 per $1000 of accessed value. Approval would allow the district to continue funding its current level of emergency medical services, including ambulance operations, for the next six years. A No vote would not authorize continuation of the EMS levy. Without voter approval, the district loses this dedicated source of EMS funding, and the district would need to determine how to address the resulting funding shortfall for EMS services.