Voters rejecting fire district levy

PASCO — Franklin County Fire Protection District No. 3 Proposition No. 1 has been rejected by voters in the primary election held on Tuesday, August 6.

The proposition, which sought to authorize a single-year permanent levy lid lift to increase the property tax rate to $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for the year 2024, received 529 votes in favor, or 44.72%, and 654 votes against, or 55.28%.

The measure would have used the amount of the levy collected in 2025 as a base for calculating levy limits in subsequent years.

The Franklin County Fire Protection District No. 3 Commissioners had adopted Resolution No. 456 to address the need for increased funding to support district operations, including emergency medical services.

The fire district’s previous levy, approved by voters in 2018, was set at $1.27 per $1,000 but had decreased to $0.88 per $1,000 in recent years.

The district has faced a 63% increase in call-out volumes over the past five years due to population growth and inflation-related cost increases for fuel, medical supplies, and equipment.

The district’s statement in favor of the proposition emphasized the need to maintain and adequately fund fire and ambulance services to prevent the depletion of reserve funds intended for emergencies and future construction.

Election results will be certified Aug. 20.