Thank You From Your Fire Chief

 

All of us at North Whidbey Fire & Rescue want to say thank you to community members for approving our fire levy lid lift in the recent election. We are sincerely grateful for the support.

 

Funding will be used to replace two fire engines, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (called “SCBAs”) for firefighters, and emergency radios. This apparatus and equipment is critical to saving lives and property as well as keeping our firefighters safe.

 

We will report back to you as these capital items are delivered and placed in service to benefit our community. In the meantime, thank you again for the support and opportunity to serve you and your family.

 

Chief John Clark

 

It’s time to replace some emergency apparatus and equipment.

 

Call volumes have increased an average of more than four percent a year (or 45 percent over 10 years). More calls mean added wear and tear on emergency apparatus and equipment. Two fire engines are at the end of their usable lives, and at risk of being unreliable to respond to calls. Likewise, we need to replace emergency radios and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for the safety of our community and firefighters.

 

North Whidbey Fire and Rescue asked voters to consider a Fire Levy lid lift of 15 cents/$1,000 of assessed property value during the November 3, 2020 General Election. The Fire Levy lid lift will enable NWFR to pay cash for these items instead of financing them which would cost taxpayers more due to interest payments. The additional cost for the owner of a $370,000 home (an average for our area) will be approximately $4.63 per month ($55.50 per year). Here's a chart based on different property values in our district:

​

Property Assessed Value                Monthly Cost             Annual Cost
$100,000                                            $1.25                          $15 
$200,000                                            $2.50                          $30 
$300,000                                            $3.75                          $45 
$370,000   (Average for NWFR)    $4.63                           $55.50
$400,000                                            $5.00                          $60
$500,000                                            $6.25                          $75

​

Replacing these items also will maintain our community insurance rating, which is linked to the amount some home and business owners pay in premiums. 

​

MORE INFORMATION

​

Frequently Asked Questions 

click here to read