KENNEWICK, Wash. – Voters across Benton, Franklin, Yakima and Walla Walla County will weigh in on multiple fire-related propositions in the upcoming election, aimed at funding equipment, training, and addressing increased call volumes.
In Benton County, Fire Protection District No. 2 has proposed Proposition 1, which seeks to raise the property tax levy to $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value, starting in 2024 and collecting in 2025. The proposition includes an 8% annual adjustment limit for five years.
Initial numbers show voters are in favor of Proposition 1 with 60.62%, or 411 votes approving to 39.38%, or 267 ballots opposing.
Franklin County voters will decide whether to increase the property tax levy to $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed value to help fund emergency medical services.
Initial numbers in Franklin County show voters are not in favor of Proposition 1 with 44.72%, or 529 votes approving to 55.28%, or 654 ballots opposing.
Yakima County’s measure proposes to raise the fire district’s levy rate from $0.69 to $1.00 per $1,000 of assessed value, beginning in 2024 and collected in 2025. The measure also includes a 5% annual growth factor to account for inflation.
Yakima County’s initial voter numbers show the most support for Proposition 1 with 67.19%, or 213 votes approving to 32.81%, or 104 votes opposing.
In Walla Walla County, the proposed levy rate would be $1.26 per $1,000 of assessed value, starting in 2024 and collected in 2025.
Preliminary results show voters in Walla Walla County support Proposition 1 with 62.8%, or 687 ballots approving to 37.2%, or 407 opposing.
In Kittitas County, a separate Proposition 1 is on the ballot regarding a regular property tax levy for emergency medical care. The measure seeks to authorize a permanent levy rate of $0.25 per $1,000 of assessed value starting in 2025. Funds from this levy will be used for emergency medical services, including personnel costs, training, equipment, and vehicles. This rate will also establish the base for future levy limitations.
Initial numbers show voters are in favor of Proposition 1 with 64.09% or 1185 votes approving to 35.91%, or 664 ballots opposing.
West Richland voters will also be asked whether to allow cannabis retail sales within the city, where such sales are currently banned. If approved, Proposition 1 will allow cannabis sales in light industrial zoning districts. Washington state imposes a 37% excise tax on cannabis sales, with some revenue potentially benefiting the city.
According to the initial numbers, voters are not in favor of Proposition 1 with 45.19%, or 954 votes approving to 54.81%, or 1,157 ballots opposing.
These are preliminary results and many ballots still need to be counted. An official date for the completion of vote counting has not been set.
