Chief Dave Kraski 

Dave Kraski, the Fire Chief of the North County Regional Fire Authority provided  information at our July 10 meeting regarding the proposition to restore the levy rate to $1.50 per $1,000 in value at the August 5, 2025, primary election. Since tax levies are a set dollar amount, the actual rate goes down as assessed values in the taxing district increases.  The current levy rate of $1.32 is no longer keeping pace with rising demand and increasing costs for emergency services. Over the past three years, emergency call volumes have risen 26%, while operational and equipment costs have continued to climb.

“With call volumes increasing, we need enough personnel to respond quickly and the ability to replace critical equipment as it wears out,” said Fire Chief Dave Kraski. “The fire levy provides the majority of our funding for both fire protection and EMS. This proposal ensures we can continue delivering the rapid, high-quality response our community expects.”

The proposed 18-cent lid lift costs $18 per $100,000 of a property’s assessed value. For example, the owner of a $500,000 home would pay an additional $7.50 per month or $90 per year.

The North County Fire Authority serves the Cities of Arlington and Stanwood, and the surrounding areas of Warm Beach, Bryant and Freeborn area north of Stanwood.

To learn more, visit www.northcountyfireems.com or contact Fire Chief Dave Kraski at dkraski@northcountyfireems.com or 425-754-0806.