On Tuesday, August 21st the North Mason Regional Fire Authority’s Board of Fire Commissioners passed Resolution 26-01. That resolution will submit a proposition to qualified electors residing within the Authority that if approved would allow the Fire Authority to renew its expiring Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Levy at a levy rate not to exceed 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value for a period of six years beginning in 2027. The election will be held of August 4th.
The Fire Authority has had an EMS levy in place for over 40 years. The Fire Authority’s EMS levy funds Paramedic, EMT and hospital transport services that are provided throughout the Fire Authority. The Fire Authority’s current EMS levy was last approved by voters in 2020 for a period of 6 years at the same rate of 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. The current six year EMS levy will expire at the end of this year. The EMS levy is brought before voters for their approval for renewal every six years to ensure that North Mason’s EMS services provide both quality and community value.
As part of the election process the North Masson Regional Fire Authority is required to seek individuals who may wish to serve on one of two separate committees. The first committee will be tasked with preparing an argument and written statement ‘for’ the approval of the EMS levy renewal. The second committee would be responsible for preparing an argument and written statement ‘against’ the approval of the EMS levy renewal. These statements will be published in the Mason County Voter’s Pamphlet for voter consideration. The two committees will meet in the first part of May to prepare their statement and submit it to Mason County prior to a May 10th submission deadline. Committee members must reside within the boundaries of the North Mason Regional Fire Authority. If you are interested in serving on either committee please contact North Mason Regional Fire Authority Fire Chief Beau Bakken at 360-275-6711 ext. 200 or by email at bbakken@northmasonrfa.com.