Ashford community is invited to Match 10 Q&A on upcoming fire and EMS levy lift proposal

The Chronicle, Centralia, Wash.
·2 min read

Mar. 1—Lewis County Fire District 17 (LCFD17) is inviting he community to learn more about the fire and EMS levy lid lifts that will be on the April 23 special election ballot.

The purpose of the lid lifts is to align tax rates with those of neighboring districts to prepare for a merger that would sustain emergency and fire services in Ashford, according to a news release.

A question-and-answer session with fire commissioners is scheduled for 10 a.m. on March 10 at the LCFD17 station, located at 136 Osborn Road in Ashford.

LCFD17 currently serves under 800 homes and properties in Ashford. The community has changed significantly since the fire district was established in 1999, according to a news release.

"Once a community primarily comprised of families, many homes are now vacation homes and rentals. The district is no longer able to recruit volunteer firefighters from the community. Additionally, due to state law, increased property values have forced the district to collect a lower tax rate than voters approved in 2020," LCFD17 stated in a news release. "District 17 has no EMS or fire staff, and district's equipment and structures are aging and will no longer be usable without future investments."

To provide emergency medical services (EMS) and fire services to the community, LCFD17 contracts with Pierce County Fire District 23.

"This is not a permanent solution, nor does it ensure the community will receive these services in the future," LCFD17 stated. "To permanently guarantee EMS and fire services for the community, the district is pursuing a merger with Pierce County Fire District 23, but first must more closely align its tax rates with those of the other district."

If approved by voters, Proposition 1 will change the fire levy rate from $0.59 to $1.00 per $1,000 of assessed property value. If approved by voters, Proposition 2 will change the emergency medical services levy rate from $0.30 to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The increased rates were previously approved by voters in 2020.

To contact the LCFD17 commissioners, email lewiscofire17@gmail.com or send mail to P.O. Box 171 in Ashford.