When Washington State initiatives I-695 and I-747 passed, they limited fire districts like ours to a 1% increase in property tax revenue per year, plus new construction, unless voters approve a greater increase.

Previously, we could take up to an 8% increase, which didn’t create surplus funds — it simply allowed us to maintain service levels, invest in firefighter safety, and meet state and federal requirements.

Without the continuation of our current levy structure, the 1% cap creates a compounding budget shortfall, year over year. Although the gap may seem small initially, over time it will force service reductions unless addressed by voters.

We’re not asking for a new tax, just to continue funding at current levels.

The Cost of Service Has Risen

Here are just a few examples of rising costs:

• One full set of firefighter gear now costs over $3,500 (compared to $1,600 five years ago).
• 911 dispatch fees have increased more than 23%.
• Ambulances and fire trucks cost 20% more than they did a few years ago.
• Fuel prices and medical supplies have risen significantly.

Without adequate funding, keeping up with these increases puts your emergency services at risk.

Increasing Call Volume, Increasing Commitment

Fifteen years ago, we responded to just 600 calls per year. Today, we respond to over 1,300 emergencies annually — while also building a better-trained and better-equipped department.

This has been possible because of:

• Grant awards
• Smart budgeting
• The unmatched dedication of our volunteers and staff

All volunteer firefighters undergo nearly a full year of training before they are qualified to respond to emergencies — and they meet the same training standards as full-time departments.

We're proud to be one of only three volunteer-based departments in our area that provides ambulance transport services — alongside Patterson and West Richland.

EMS & Ambulance Transport

• Advanced, Intermediate, and Basic Life Support
• 12-lead ECG Heart Program, developed in partnership with Kadlec Medical Center, helping cardiologists diagnose heart attacks before patients arrive at the hospital
• Ambulances equipped like those in Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco, ensuring seamless regional response

Firefighting

• Structural, vehicle, and wildland fire response

Rescue Services

• Vehicle extrication
• Low-angle and building rescues
• Swift water & rescue boat operations

Hazardous Materials Response

• We are a member of the Tri-County Hazardous Materials Team

Incident Management

• Our members serve on regional and statewide incident management teams for large-scale emergencies

Public Education

• CPR classes, school programs, and community event participation

• The current levy rates have remained the same for over 20 years.
• We cannot exceed these maximum levy amounts—this is set by state law.
• No surprise increases—only what voters have approved.

Want to Learn More?

• RCW 52 – Fire Protection Districts
• WAC 458-19-090 – Highest Lawful Levy
• RCW 84.52.069 – EMS Levy

If you're a senior citizen or on a fixed income, you may qualify for a property tax exemption. ➡️ Contact the Benton County Assessor’s Office to see if you’re eligible. Contact them by phone at (509) 786-2046 or (509) 736-3088.

• Click here for more information about Tax Refief/Exemptions
• Click here for Exemption Questions and Answers

Thanks to our efforts, we’ve maintained one of the lowest fire ratings in Washington State, helping our residents lower their homeowners insurance premiums.

🔗 Get your fire insurance information here

The Board of Benton County Fire Protection District #2 adopted Resolution 2024-02 concerning a voter-approved proposition to maintain and adequately fund Fire District operations.

Voters approved this measure to renew and replace an existing fire levy. The approval:

• Authorizes the District to maintain a regular property tax levy not to exceed $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value for collection in 2025.
• Sets a limit factor of 8% to determine the annual levy increase beginning in 2025 and continuing through 2029 (for collection years 2026 through 2030).
• States that the levy amount in 2029 (for collection in 2030) will become the base for future levy calculations under RCW 84.55.

2025 Fire Levy Rate is $1.50 per $1,000 of Assessed Value.

On May 9, 2022, the Board of Commissioners for Benton County Fire Protection District #2 adopted Resolution 2022-02, placing a proposition on the primary election ballot to renew the District’s EMS levy.

Voter Approval

Voters approved the renewal of the EMS levy at a rate not to exceed $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value for a 6-year period, beginning with 2022 assessments for collection in 2023, and continuing through 2031 assessments for collection in 2032.

This measure also authorized:

• A limit factor of 1% annually for increases over the previous year’s levy, beginning in 2022 for collection in 2023 and continuing through 2027 assessments for 2028 collection.
• After 2028, statutory increases will apply—but the levy may not exceed the $0.50 cap.
• The 2027 levy (collected in 2028) will serve as the base for future levy calculations under RCW 84.55.

What the EMS Levy Funds

This levy provides critical funding for ambulance services in our Fire District, including:

• Emergency medical staffing
• Medical supplies and equipment
• Ambulance operations and maintenance
• Associated training and support costs

2025 EMS Levy Rate is $0.38 per $1,000 of Assessed Value.