South County Fire Department approves 2025 budget of $116 million

EVERETT— On Tuesday, November 19, the South County Board of Fire Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt a balanced budget that will fund emergency services operations through 2025. Regional Fire Authority (RFA) residents are expected to see little or no change in current tax rates.

The $116 million operating budget funds the current level of emergency services and includes a modest 2.6% increase in property tax collections, which is below the current rate of inflation. The general property tax rate for residents is expected to remain unchanged.

The 2025 budget includes the following:

• $776,000 for Deputy Fire Marshals to meet community fire prevention needs
• $225,000 for a security captain

Other additions are aimed at increasing organizational efficiency and protecting vital assets:

• $150,000 to optimize HR and financial management processes and technologies
• $100,000 for documentation assistance
• $60,000 for IT security services.

Commissioners also approved a 2% increase in benefits. Due to updates to the distribution of benefits for commercial properties, it is not expected that there will be a noticeable increase in residential properties.

“We work for our residents and businesses” said Fire Chief Bob Eastman. “We are responsible to you, and our budget is responsible to you. We are very grateful to be able to put together a budget that keeps the impact on our taxpayers below inflation while also ensuring you continue to receive excellent fire and emergency medical services.”

How have my Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) taxes changed over time?

South County Fire’s long-term planning and conservative approach to funding has allowed property tax increases to remain below inflation since the formation of the RFA. The average annual property tax increase since 2018 has been less than one percent.

Why am I being charged fire taxes based on the value of my land if my home is the only thing that needs to be protected?

Washington State law establishes property taxes as one of the primary ways to fund state fire services. As the South County Regional Fire Department, the fire department has the authority to levy property taxes based only on the assessed value of the property: an EMS levy of up to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value and a fire levy of up to $1.50 per $1,000 or estimated value of the property.

The maximum fire levy is reduced by a third – to $1.00 per $1,000 or assessed property value – with the addition of the voter-approved benefit amount. State law limits annual property tax increases to 1% per year plus fees for new construction. In years when the 1% increase is not used, this tax potential can be “set aside” for possible future use.

Property values ​​can be appealed, and homeowners can also request a property tax exemption through the Snohomish County Assessor’s Office.

What is a benefit?

The benefits that voters extended in 2024 provide a fair and balanced way to distribute emergency relief costs. Unlike traditional fees based on property value, this fee is based on the size of the building, its use, and its hazards. This means that residential building owners typically pay less than owners of high-risk industrial or commercial buildings. Thanks to the accrual of benefits, the maximum amount of fire tax is reduced by a third.

Who is affected by benefit collection and payment rates?

Fee rates and incentives apply to properties within the RFA area, which includes the cities of Brier, Lynnwood, Mill Creek and Mountlake Terrace, as well as communities in unincorporated southwest Snohomish County. The City of Edmonds contracts with RFA to provide emergency services and collects its own taxes and fees to pay for the services provided by RFA.

Why is the 2025 budget talking about a deficit?

The South County Fire Department does not have an operational deficit. This language in the 2025 budget refers to planned deficit spending.

Operating deficit: assumes that current revenues are insufficient to finance current year operating expenses.

Planned Deficit Spending: one-time expenses using one-time financing that may not be reflected in current year income.

Planned deficit spending for 2025 is largely offset by underspending and includes a one-time transfer of funds for future maintenance of apparatus, equipment and fire stations. It also includes establishing a rainy day fund (income stabilization reserve) to help residents continue to receive emergency assistance in the event of a natural disaster, economic downturn, or financial emergency.

South County Fire’s financial policy prohibits the use of one-time financial resources for operating expenses (costs that recur each year).

Have more questions about the budget? Visit our website to view the full 2025 budget: www.southsnofire.org/budget.

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SOURCE: Southern District Fire