Spokane County voters to decide on increased property tax for Fire District 4 levy

SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. -- In August, voters will decide whether or not to increase property taxes to support Fire District 4's levy lid lift.

Spokane County Fire District 4 is asking voters to raise the levy to keep up with what they said is an increase in demand.

The district said they have seen a 24% increase in calls, amounting to about 2,400 calls last year.

"With those additional calls, or additional costs, everything form medical supplies to wear and tear on the equipment, and everything that goes along with that, that's what we're just unable to keep up with," said Captain David Lachapelle.

In 2021, the levy was set at $1.50, but rising property values have dropped the levy to about $1.16 in recent years.

Currently, the levy accounts for about 70% of the department's budget. The district said the decreased levy revenue has made it difficult to get the equipment they need.

The district is asking voters to increase the levy lid back to $1.50, which would be about a $0.34 property tax increase. This would amount to around $136 a year for a home valued at $400,000.

The district said they would use the funds to increase response times and also renovate Station 47 in Greenbluff.

"Being able to have a quicker response is very beneficial for everybody. Whether that's getting a quicker response for a fire or providing a quicker response for a medical need," said Captain Lachapelle.

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