Emergency response is vital. Residents of Edmonds need prompt responses to fire and medical emergencies.
South County Fire has consistently protected Edmonds’ residents, workers, and visitors since 2010. Annexation provides an opportunity to preserve the fast, effective service that Edmonds has trusted and relied on for years.
Why is Annexing to South County Fire being proposed?
Edmonds does not have its own fire department. Currently, the city contracts with South County Fire (the Regional Fire Authority / RFA) to provide fire and EMS services, but this contract will expire at the end of 2025.
The city researched starting its own fire department and reached out to other providers.
Annexing to South County Fire is the lowest cost option to maintain the level and quality of emergency services our community receives.
But it goes beyond that. We also need a reliable response on land or over water to complex rescue emergencies and releases of hazardous or toxic chemicals.
Annexation Facts:
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Keeps response times fast and efficient, which is critical in saving lives and property
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Allows Edmonds residents to run for the South County Board of Fire Commissioners and vote on fire/EMS ballot measures
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Creates economies of scale, which is more cost-efficient for taxpayers
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Aligns Edmonds with other Snohomish County cities (e.g., Mill Creek, Brier, and Mountlake Terrace) that have also annexed to South County Fire when their contracts expired
Here are the numbers
The city is developing an online calculator to help property owners identify their costs for fire/EMS if annexation were in effect today.
Under annexation, property owners would pay South County Fire directly for service and the city EMS levy would be eliminated. In 2024, the combined levy rate for fire/EMS through South County Fire was $1.17 per $1,000 plus a “benefit charge.”
The owner of a 2,000-square-foot house in Edmonds valued at $895,700 would have paid an additional $447.83 ($37.32 per month) for fire, the benefit charge and EMS for an annual total of $1,119.61.
The city will maintain the current general property tax levy rate for Edmonds, which means it will retain the $0.47 per $1,000 from the fire contract. This is necessary to fund basic city services, such as police, parks, and infrastructure improvements.
What is a Benefit Charge?
A benefit charge reduces the maximum property tax homeowners pay for fire service from $1.50 to $1 per $1,000. Instead of higher property taxes, the benefit charge is a fee based on building size, use and hazards. There is no charge for undeveloped land. Residential homes pay less than higher risk industrial or commercial buildings. If annexation was in effect, the owner of a 2000sqft home Edmonds would have paid $71.64 in 2024.
The benefit charge is not a tax or a per-call charge for using 911 services and was renewed by South County Fire voters in 2024. Learn more about the benefit charge at https://www.southsnofire.org/about-us/funding/benefit-charge.
understanding the city's budget challenges
Edmonds faces a fiscal emergency. Years of historic inflation have outpaced revenues and contributed to a growing budget deficit. For each dollar that Edmonds’ residents pay in property taxes, the city receives about 14 cents. State law caps the city’s annual increase in property tax revenue at just 1%.
City leaders have made significant cuts, but those cannot fill the budget deficit.
To manage these constraints, Edmonds has:
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Implemented $6.5 million in budget cuts, including programs, services and eliminating staff positions
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Borrowed funds and used reserves to temporarily sustain essential services like police
However, these measures are not enough to ensure financial sustainability.
Help shape edmonds' future
As a resident, you play a vital role in deciding how Edmonds sustains the same level of essential services such as fire/EMS while helping to address its budget challenges.
When you call 911, it’s critical that emergency personnel reach you, your family or business as fast as possible. Annexing to South County Fire will maintain these rapid response times for fire and medical emergencies.
Voters in other Snohomish County cities (Mill Creek (approved by 75% of voters), Brier (approved by 78% of voters) and Mountlake Terrace (approved by 92% of voters)) have also approved annexation to South County Fire when their contracts for fire service expired.
With annexation, the residents of Edmonds will become equal partners with the residents of other cities through the ability to elect representatives on the fire commission who provide accountability and direction for the future of our services. Edmonds residents can also run for a seat on the Board of Fire Commissioners and vote on fire/EMS ballot measures.
The decision to annex rests entirely on Edmonds voters who will cast their ballots on April 22nd of this year.
The city will be holding public meetings and will continue to share information and resources to help residents understand annexation and have their questions answered so they can make an informed decision in the April 22, 2025 Special Election.
For further questions or assistance, contact us at [email protected].