Why is my fire district proposing this?

WF&R funds emergency services through a fire levy and a fire benefit charge. A fire benefit charge has helped to fund emergency services for 35 years. It will expire at the end of the year.

What is the difference between a fire levy and a fire benefit charge?

A fire levy is a tax based on a property’s assessed value. Two homes of the same size can pay different amounts based on their assessed value as determined by the King County Assessor’s Office.

The fire benefit charge is an assessment based on a structure’s size, use and risk. Smaller buildings, such as residential homes, pay less than higher-risk properties, such as large commercial or industrial buildings. With a fire benefit charge, properties of equal size contribute the same amount, regardless of assessed value.

How does a fire benefit charge work?

A fire benefit charge reduces the fire levy rate by $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Your locally-elected Board of Fire Commissioners then sets the fire benefit charge once a year at a public meeting based on operational needs of the fire district.

How long does a benefit charge last? What does it cost?

Voters must approve the fire benefit charge every six years. The owner of a 3,000 square foot home (considered average) will pay approximately $316.30 in 2025.

What if I don’t agree with the assessment?

Property owners have the opportunity to appeal their assessment each year. Seniors, disabled persons, exempt properties, and low-income households maintain any current exemptions they have through King County.