Whatcom County Fire Protection District 1 Proposition 2026-08: levy lid lift (to $1.48 per $1,000)

Official plain English statement

Fire Protection District 1 provides emergency fire protection and medical services to its citizens. If approved by the voters, this proposition will authorize the Fire Department to establish its regular real property tax levy rate at $1.48 per $1,000 of assessed valuation in 2026 for collection in 2027. This measure will replace the final year of the levy lid lift approved by the voters in 2021. The proposition will also allow the Fire Department to keep pace with inflation for the following nine years by establishing an annual limit factor of 6 % per year. At the end of the ten-year period, absent further voter approval, the Fire Department tax levy will be subject to statutory one percent limit. The Fire Department's Board of Commissioners has determined that this proposition is necessary to maintain an effective level of services, fire fighter staffing, equipment and facilities in light of rising costs. The levy is subject to the property tax exemptions provided for qualifying seniors, veterans and others under chapter 84.36 RCW.