A Message from Roger Collins, Woodinville Fire & Rescue Board Chair:

Emergency services in our community are funded by two primary sources: a fire levy and a fire benefit charge. The fire levy is a tax based on your property’s assessed value, while the fire benefit charge is an assessment based on the size and use of your structure. Single-family homes typically pay less than larger, higher-risk properties like commercial buildings.

This funding model ensures a stable and fair way to pay for fire protection. Property taxes alone can vary greatly depending on where you live. With a fire benefit charge, properties of similar size contribute the same amount for service, regardless of assessed value. The benefit charge diversifies the District’s funding and ensures dependable levels of service to the community.

For example, in 2025, the fire levy is $0.52 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The owner of a 3,000-square-foot home also is paying about $316.30 in 2025 for the fire benefit charge which helps to fund a 24-hour fire and emergency medical response.

The current fire benefit charge will expire at the end of 2025 and will be up for renewal on the April 22, 2025 special election ballot. Those served by Woodinville Fire & Rescue have approved and renewed a fire benefit charge for 35 years. This approach has kept response times reliable and maintained our high-quality emergency services. Learn more on our website at www.wf-r.org/fbc.