Okanogan County Fire District No. 1 Proposition 1: levy lid lift to $0.50 per $1,000

Official plain English statement

Okanogan County Fire Protection District No. 1 provides emergency fire protection and emergency medical services to its citizens. Due to the statutory 1% limitation on property tax increases, the Fire District's current levy has dropped to approximately $.22 per thousand in 2026. The maximum regular levy rate for Washington fire districts is $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. If approved by the voters, this proposition authorizes the fire district to establish its regular real property tax levy rate at $.50 per $1,000 of assessed valuation in 2026 for collection in 2027. The Board of Commissioners has not requested a levy adjustment in many years and has determined that this proposition is critical to be able to continue operating your fire department. The funds generated by the levy are necessary to provide an effective level of services given the constantly increasing demand for services and the increasing costs for insurance, equipment and supplies. Approval of this measure will allow the District to provide for fire fighter safety as the District responds to new challenges including electronic car fires, lithium battery fires and the increasing drug epidemic within our community.