The Kittitas County Fire District 2 (Kittitas Valley Fire & Rescue) Board of Fire Commissioners, unanimously voted to place a single-year Levy Lid Lift on the August 4, 2026, Primary Election ballot. The current levy rate has declined to roughly $1.35 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. If approved by voters, a levy Lid Lift would allow Kittitas Valley Fire & Rescue (KVFR) to restore the levy rate for emergency services back to the $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed valuation that voters already approved in 2022.

What does a “Yes” vote mean?  

It ensures that despite increasing call volume and rising costs due to significant inflation, KVFR will be able to:

·   Maintain current levels of fire, rescue and hazardous material response to our community.

·   Maintain current levels of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to our community.

·   Properly maintain current fire apparatus, ambulances, equipment, and fire stations.

Is this a new tax?  

No, the fire levy has been around since the 1940’s when the fire district was formed. It is the primary source of revenue necessary to provide emergency services to the community. Fire districts can only collect taxes through property tax assessments. As our community grows, the demand for fire and EMS services has increased. Last year KVFR responded to 5,422 calls and approximately 80% of those were for medical emergencies. Restoring the rate back to $1.50 from the current rate is essentially $0.15 per $1,000 difference. For a home assessed at $500,000, this would equate to a difference of approximately $75.00 in your fire levy taxes collected for 2027.

Why is KVFR asking for a Levy Lid Lift?

KVFR has seen an increase in operating expenses as well as the continued increase in 911 responses. We are asking our voters to consider this Levy Lid Lift to continue operational readiness. Levies are the primary funding sources for fire and emergency services provided in the Fire District.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact KVFR at 509.933.7231