As Pierce County’s population grows, so does the number of people calling 911.
Emergency responders at Central Pierce Fire & Rescue say they’re feeling the demand.
In an attempt to keep up with call volume, the department proposed a $1 per $1,000 assessed valuation levy lid lift that voters will see on their April 23 special election ballots. The department serves Puyallup, South Hill, Spanaway, Parkland, Midland and Frederickson. Voters previously approved a $1 per $1,000 of assessed valuation levy, but that rate would drop to $.0.82 in 2020 due to inflation unless voters approve April’s levy, according to Central Pierce.
The proposal asks voters to restore the amount collected back to $1 per $1,000, equaling an extra $4 per month or $48 per year for taxpayers with an average home value of $305,000.