Public meetings to learn more about fire levy lid lift
Proposal will appear on the August 6, 2024, primary election ballot
Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue invites the community to learn more about the fire levy lid lift that will be on the August 6, 2024, primary election ballot. The lid lift would fund additional firefighters to respond to higher call volumes and replace aging apparatus.
Residents are encouraged to attend one of two public meetings hosted by Fire Chief Jason Christian to ask questions and learn more:
Saturday, July 20, at 10 a.m., at Station 41 (7600 Old Military Road NE, Bremerton)
Monday, July 22, at 6 p.m., online via Microsoft Teams at www.ckfr.org
Call volumes have increased 39 percent in the past six years. Last year, the fire district responded to 11,384 calls – 68 percent which were for medical emergencies.
“We’re stretched thin,” says Chief Christian. “We need to hire more firefighters and paramedics to maintain the level and quality of emergency services that residents require.”
CKFR has a history of good financial stewardship, having passed all independent and accountability audits, but revenue from the fire levy is not keeping up with demand for and costs to provide services.
CKFR is asking voters to consider returning the fire levy from $1.34 per $1,000 of assessed property value to $1.50, which is the levy rate voters approved in 2019.
The $0.16 levy lid lift will fund up to six firefighter/paramedics over the next six years, allowing the district to staff additional stations (Lake Symington and Olympic View) 24 hours a day and reduce response times districtwide. The district also plans to replace an ambulance and refurbish three fire engines, as well as improve firefighter and paramedic training programs to ensure emergency personnel have the most current lifesaving skills.
The lid lift would cost the owner of a $500,000 home an additional $6.67 per month or $80 per year.
Learn more at one of the upcoming public meetings or at www.ckfr.org. Chief Christian also welcomes your questions at jchristian@ckfr.org and 360-447-3550.
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Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue provides fire and emergency medical services to 74,800 residents over 115 square miles. In 2023, the fire district responded to 11,384 calls – of which 68 percent were EMS-related. Call volumes have increased 39 percent over the past six years. The district’s emergency personnel are highly trained to provide services for fire suppression and prevention, EMS, technical rescue, hazardous material spills, vehicle accidents and extrication, and fire and life safety education programs.
