Frequently Asked Questions

Call 911 whenever you have a fire, medical emergency, accident, rescue situation, or any situation that threatens life or property. If you are unsure whether an emergency requires a response, it is better to call 911 and let the dispatcher determine the appropriate response.

Fire protection services are funded primarily through a property tax levy approved by voters.

Washington State allows fire districts to levy up to $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value for fire protection. However, Initiative 747, passed in 2001, limits annual revenue growth from regular property taxes to 1% per year.

As property values increase, the levy rate automatically decreases unless voters approve a levy lid lift. This means the district may collect roughly the same amount of revenue plus the allowed annual increase, even as costs, population, and call volume continues to rise.

PCFD6’s levy rate was higher when Initiative 747 was passed in 2001 and has since compressed to $0.268 per $1,000.

PCFD6 is asking voters to approve the fire levy increase of $0.50/$1000. This would bring the total amount of fire tax to $0.768/$1000.

No. The fire levy is an existing tax. The levy rate has decreased over time as property values increased because of state limitations on revenue growth.

A levy lid lift does not create a new tax. It allows voters to approve returning the existing levy rate to a sustainable level within the state’s allowable limit.

The levy lid lift simply returns the fire levy to a rate within the maximum allowance of $1.50/$1000. Districts must get voter approval to return a rate. In this case the rate is $0.50/$1000.

No. PCFD6 is a separate taxing district and receives no funding from the county for annual operations. There are occasional federal or state grant opportunities the county may extend the fire districts.

No.

This is a common misconception.

Washington State law limits fire districts to approximately 1% annual growth in property tax revenue, regardless of how much property values increase.

While assessed values may rise, the fire district does not automatically receive additional funding proportional to those increases. At the same time, emergency calls, staffing needs, and operating costs continue to grow.

The district has worked to control costs by:

• Extending equipment replacement schedules for items such as hose, nozzles, turnout gear, and breathing apparatus
• Reducing outside training opportunities
• Obtaining gear through Washington Department of Natural Resources programs at reduced costs
• Using surplus apparatus from neighboring fire districts when available

These measures have helped reduce expenses but cannot fully offset increasing operational costs.

PCFD6 has worked to delay requesting a levy lid lift by reducing expenses, seeking grants, and adjusting operations.

However, the cost of providing emergency services has continued to increase while revenue has remained restricted by the 1% annual growth limit per the 2001 Initiative 747.

The fire commissioners have determined that waiting longer could negatively affect the district’s ability to maintain reliable emergency response and replace critical equipment.

• PCFD6 will continue to provide the best service possible within our current levy budget.
  • More cost savings measures will need to be implemented:
  • More reduction in maintenance including the potential of reducing our fleet in lieu of costly repairs.
  • Reduction in response apparatus per incident
  • Increased burden on neighboring mutual aid districts
  • Potentially fewer responders due to reduced training
  • Potential continued noncompliance with necessary Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau (WSRB).
• Any of the above as well as any other unanticipated impacts will be detrimental to the response times, responders, public safety and effectiveness of the district.