OTHELLO, Wash. — The Adams County Fire District 5 is considering a temporary levy increase on the November ballot for voters.
According to the district, its contract with the city of Othello is expiring next year and those funds account for more than half of its annual budget.
The district will look to put a temporary levy increase of $0.27 per $1,000 in assessed property value on the November ballot. For a home valued at $220,000, property taxes would go up $60 a year.
ACFD5 says emergency calls are up 25% in the district and up 43% in the city over the past four years.
The district says to prepare for the loss of funds from Othello, it’s deferring some gear replacements and renovations and cutting city-specific programs.
A public meeting is being held Tuesday, July 8 at the district station on 220 S. Broadway at 7 p.m. There the community can learn more about the proposed levy and provide input.
“We want to be transparent with our community,” said Fire Chief Tom Salsbury. “Even though our service area will shrink, fixed costs like vehicles, safety gear, insurance, dispatch, and fuel are going up. Fewer people will be sharing those costs.”
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