Q: Why does the District keep going out for a levy?
A: Under state law, taxes are capped at 1%, therefore each year after new growth, the levy rate typically drops over time. Keeping up with inflation or expanding service requires District 7 to ask for the support of taxpayers on a levy ballot measure.
Q: What is the current levy rate?
A: Levy rates traditionally drop over time because of new construction and the 1% cap; the 2025 District 7 levy rate is $1.12.
Q: If the levy is re-set or lifted back to $1.25, how much would this cost me?
A: On a $500,000 home the increase would be about $65 for 2026.
Q: If approved, when would this levy rate take effect?
A: The $1.25 levy rate would take effect in 2026.
Q: How much can a fire district request in a fire levy?
A: The maximum amount under state law is $1.50 per $1000 in assessed property value; voters have traditionally approved $1.25.
Q: What does the fire levy need to pass or fail?
A: The levy must be approved by a simple majority vote to pass.
Q: Why was Station 76 selected to be opened 24/7 with full-time firefighter/EMTs?
A: This station already has existing crew quarters on site and serves the second busiest call volume in District 7. It also houses the only ladder truck in Upper County which currently responds only when a volunteer or full-time firefighter goes to the station to retrieve it.
Being centrally located, firefighter/EMTs from Station 76 can respond east or west to assist in a response from Station 72 or Station 73, as well as north to the service area along Lake Cle Elum or south toward the Peoh Point area.
Bullfrog Road offers direct access to Interstate 90 as well as State Route 903, including the Cle Elum-Roslyn School District complex nearby which is served by District 7.
Q: With the fire training tower being built at Station 76 (with the generous donations of the non-profit Life Support) how will opening this station impact it?
A: The intent of the training tower is to provide ongoing “live-fire” experience and training to all firefighters in Upper County. Not only would Station 76 be staffed 24/7 to respond to emergencies, but it would also become a training center for firefighters and agencies in our area.
While not on calls or details, the District 7 firefighter/EMTs at Station 76 can assist with providing training and support at the fire tower; the facility would have the opportunity to be available more often with full-time personnel on site.
Q: How will opening this station full-time impact the WSRB rating used by insurance companies?
A: According to WSRB rating criteria, a staffed station is expected to positively impact the overall fire rating used by insurance companies, particularly in the station’s response area.
Q: How would a third staffed fire station change the service from District 7?
A: A third full-time station is expected to increase staffed response by 33%.
