Some Snohomish County cities plan to introduce revised fire and emergency medical service levies on the November ballot.
Two levies are slated for a slight increase, while one will remain the same.
Levies are the primary source of revenue for fire departments.
Mill Creek proposed an increase of the EMS levy, which is set to expire after six years, city spokeswoman Kelly Chelin said. The city is seeking 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. That represents a 5 cent increase over the current rate. A similar levy narrowly failed in the August primary election.
If the new measure passes, the owner of a $400,000 home would pay about $200 per year. The levy would be in effect for another six years.
Chelin said the increase is due to rising costs in the city’s annual contract with Fire District 7, which provides fire and emergency medical staffing to Mill Creek.
“If the levy doesn’t pass, the city will have to reduce EMS service levels,” Chelin said.
The measure needs 60 percent voter approval to pass.