To the Editor:
The Pro Committee Chairman Cole for the Fire District 4 levy in August writes in the voter’s pamphlet that “EMS is one of the most important services provided by the District, impacting most citizens and is critical to the well-being of our most vulnerable residents.”
Mr. Cole recently developed the 5-story, 100-unit and 86-unit, lower-income/senior apartment buildings called KOZ on Weaver and KOZ on Bickford—both less than a mile away from the District’s Headquarters Station. Adding two more firefighter/paramedics per shift won’t reduce response times as the ambulance/truck can’t get to his site any quicker.
The Snohomish City Council on May 6th approved a deal transferring all the City’s equity in its Maple Avenue property to the District in exchange for the District obtaining a $500,000 ladder truck to serve Snohomish’s 5-story buildings.
Firefighters/EMTs/Paramedics already are cross-trained. In case of a large fire, EMTs/Paramedics can help fight the fire; while in the case of an earthquake or flood, firefighters can help administer emergency medical services.
Here are two important District statistics. Call volumes have remained flat since 2019 averaging about 4,300 a year. Total annual property tax revenue amounts have almost doubled from $8.1 million in 2019 to $15.6 million in 2025 and it is estimated the total revenue will increase 6% each year thereafter even without another levy lid-lift.
If Prop 1 passes in August, property owners will pay for it every year forever as it compounds. Tenants, including seniors, will see a rent increase as landlords pass-through the tax.
I urge voters to reject this August tax increase as a generous tax increase was approved less than two years ago.
Morgan Davis
Snohomish
Pro statement below:
