Pacific County Fire District 6
2026 Levy Information
The following factual information about the November 2026 ballot measure is provided by Pacific County Fire District 6.
To support continued fire protection, emergency response, firefighter safety, and protection of life and property, the Fire District has determined that it must ask voters to consider a levy lid lift. The questions and answers below explain what is being proposed, why the District is asking, what it would cost property owners, and how additional revenue could be used.
Bay Center Fire has accomplished a great deal with a relatively small operating budget. For comparison, the average fire protection levy rate among Washington fire districts was $0.95 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2024. PCFD6's current levy rate is $0.268 per $1,000. The fire levy rate for PCFD6 is actually the least among fire districts in Pacific County. Such a small budget creates a significant challenge to run its operations sustainably.
Over the years, Bay Center Fire has stretched limited resources by obtaining used equipment, gear, and vehicles when appropriate, pursuing grants and other lower-cost opportunities, and extending replacement schedules where possible. Used equipment can help reduce upfront costs, but it may have a shorter remaining service life and require more maintenance or earlier replacement.
Insurance alone now accounts for approximately one-third of the annual operating budget. The Fire District must also meet state and federal safety and operational requirements, including maintenance, inspection, testing, and replacement schedules for firefighting equipment, protective gear, breathing apparatus, vehicles, and other essential equipment.
Did You Know?
Levy at a Glance
Fire districts are primarily funded through property-tax levies approved by voters. Property tax statements list the Fire District levy as a separate taxing-district charge.
After many years of not requesting an increase, Pacific County Fire District 6 is now asking voters to consider a levy lid lift for the District's existing regular fire levy. A levy lid lift changes the rate of an existing property-tax levy and requires voter approval.
PCFD6 currently has the lowest fire levy rate of any fire district in Pacific County
The fire protection levy rate average of all fire districts in the state was $0.95/$1000 assessed value in 2024. PCFD6 was $0.268/$1000
The cost of operating and maintaining emergency services continues to increase at a rate much greater than the 1% annual revenue growth limit allowed under state law.
2026 Fire Levy Lid Lift — Frequently Asked Questions
Pacific County Fire District 6 (PCFD6), known locally as the Bay Center Volunteer Fire Department, is providing this information to help residents understand the proposed 2026 fire levy lid lift. This information is intended to be factual and informational.
What exactly are voters being asked to consider?
PCFD6 is asking voters to consider increasing the rate of the District's existing regular fire levy.
Current levy rate: $0.268 per $1,000 of assessed property value
Proposed levy rate: $0.768 per $1,000
Increase: $0.50 per $1,000
Is this a new tax?
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.
Why doesn't the Fire District automatically receive much more money when property values increase?
An increase in assessed property values does not mean the Fire District receives the same percentage increase in property-tax revenue.
Washington law generally limits annual growth in regular property-tax levy revenue to about 1 percent, subject to state law and additions such as new construction. As property values increase, the levy rate can therefore decline.
At the same time, the cost of equipment, insurance, fuel, training, maintenance, and other emergency- service needs can continue to increase.
Is PCFD6 funded by the Pacific County operating budget?
No. Pacific County Fire District 6 is a separate public taxing district. Its annual fire-protection operations are funded primarily through its voter-approved property-tax levy.
Pacific County collects property taxes and distributes the Fire District's share. PCFD6 is governed separately by its elected Fire Commissioners, who oversee the District's budget and expenditures.
The District may also receive grants, donations, or other eligible funding from time to time.
Why does a 100% volunteer fire department need an operating budget?
PCFD6 has no paid firefighting staff, but providing emergency response still has significant costs.
The District must maintain fire engines and emergency vehicles, firefighter protective equipment, breathing apparatus, radios and communications equipment, hoses and other firefighting equipment, medical and emergency supplies, insurance, fuel, training, testing, maintenance, and other operating needs.
Volunteer labor reduces personnel costs, but it does not eliminate the cost of maintaining a safe and ready emergency-response system.
What would the proposed increase cost a property owner?
The proposed levy rate is $0.768 per $1,000 of assessed property value, compared with the current rate
of $0.268 per $1,000. This is an increase of $0.50 per $1,000.
Monthly difference:
- $300,000 assessed value → +$150/year
- $400,000 assessed value → +$200/year
- $500,000 assessed value → +$250/year
*Monthly amounts are shown only to help illustrate the annual cost; property taxes are not necessarily billed or paid monthly.
Example: For a property assessed at $300,000, the Fire District levy is currently about $80 per year. Under the proposed rate, the total would be about $230 per year, an increase of $150 per year, or the equivalent of about $12.50 more per month.
Actual property taxes depend on the property's assessed value and the final levy rate.
What would additional levy revenue support?
Additional recurring revenue would strengthen core operations and volunteer firefighter readiness. Subject to the adopted District budget and public oversight, funding could support:
- Firefighter protective gear (PPE)
- Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and cylinders
- Volunteer training and certifications
- Radio communications
- Apparatus and equipment maintenance and testing Fuel and emergency supplies
- Planned replacement of aging equipment
What has PCFD6 done to control costs?
PCFD6 has worked to stretch available resources through measures such as extending equipment replacement schedules, reducing some outside training, obtaining equipment through Washington Department of Natural Resources programs, using surplus equipment when available, pursuing grants, and adjusting operations.
Why can't grants pay for these needs?
PCFD6 pursues grant and lower-cost equipment opportunities when they are available.
However, grants are competitive, may be restricted to particular purposes, and are not a dependable source of funding for all recurring operating expenses, maintenance, training, insurance, supplies, and equipment replacement.
Grants and community donations can supplement Fire District resources but do not provide predictable annual operating revenue.
If many emergency calls are medical, why is Fire District funding needed?
Bay Center Fire responds to more than fires. PCFD6 volunteers respond to medical emergencies and may be among the first local responders to arrive.
Depending on the training and certification of available personnel, volunteers can provide initial assistance, help secure the scene, manage traffic, assist ambulance crews, and help move patients. Fire apparatus can also provide scene lighting, rescue equipment, medical supplies, and additional trained responders.
Ambulance transport is provided and funded separately through the EMS system.
How does mutual aid with neighboring fire departments work?
PCFD6 works with neighboring fire departments, including Nemah, South Bend, Raymond, and other agencies as well as with emergency-service agencies through mutual aid agreements.
Mutual aid allows departments to assist one another when an emergency requires additional people, apparatus, equipment, or specialized resources. PCFD6 may receive assistance from neighboring departments and may also respond to help neighboring communities.
Mutual aid strengthens regional emergency response, but each participating district still needs its own trained responders, functioning equipment, and local readiness.
Residents are encouraged to review publicly available levy information and compare fire district rates.
What happens if the levy lid lift is not approved?
PCFD6 would continue providing emergency services within the funding available to the District.
Any specific future reductions or changes would be determined through the District's budgeting and public decision-making process.
How will taxpayers know how the money is being used?
Pacific County Fire District 6 is a public taxing district governed by elected Fire Commissioners.
District budgets, expenditures, public meetings, meeting minutes, and financial records are subject to public-sector requirements. The District can also provide levy and financial information through this website so residents can see how public funds are being used.
Will passage of the levy lower my homeowners insurance?
PCFD6 cannot predict or guarantee changes to an individual property's insurance premiums.
Fire-protection capabilities and Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau (WSRB) classifications may be among the factors an insurance company considers, but insurers determine their own rates.
The District's responsibility is to maintain and improve the fire-protection and emergency-response capabilities within its control.
Why not consolidate with another fire district?
PCFD6 already works with neighboring fire districts through mutual aid.
Consolidation is a separate governance and service-delivery question that would require additional analysis and public process. The 2026 ballot measure concerns funding for Pacific County Fire District 6 under its current structure.
Where can I learn more or ask a question?
Residents are encouraged to review the Fire District's levy information, budgets, public meeting materials, and other information available on this website.
Questions can also be submitted to Pacific County Fire District 6 through the District's official contact information.
If the District does not have an answer immediately, it can research the question and add factual follow- up information to this FAQ.
COMMITMENT
Pacific County Fire District 6 remains committed to providing professional emergency response and protecting the lives and property of our community.
PHONE
(360) 934-3334
LOCATION
Bay Center Fire
Pacific County Fire District #6
6 Harrison St, Bay Center, WA 98527
Not sure if you need emergency help?
Our 911 dispatchers can help determine the situation and send the appropriate assistance if needed.