While candidates on the ballot typically generate the most publicity when it comes to Election Day, voters also have a chance to have their voice heard concerning local tax issues such as levies and advisory votes. For one Grays Harbor fire department, the hope to obtain additional funding through a proposed property tax will be on the ballot.

On Nov. 8, Grays Harbor County Fire Protection District 17 will ask voters in its district to approve a levy to help afford budgetary needs. As stated on the ballot, the district will look to increase its regular property tax levy for maintenance and operations. This proposition would authorize the district to increase its levy from $.66 per $1,000 to $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value, to be levied in 2022 for collection in 2023.

A September 2022 newsletter from the Humptulips-based district states that all revenue obtained by the district is divided into two separate funds, Fire Expense and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The district has determined that more than $81,000 will be spent for budgeted expenses for 2022, although the tax levy funds for 2022 are just shy of $50,000.

Elaine Judd, who serves as the district secretary for Fire Protection District 17, says the last time the district approved a levy with the consent of the voters was in 2004 for EMS.

“Back in the 1980s an annual raise of 6% per year kept the district funded, but it has been many years since that rate dropped to 1% per year. The district is suffering financially as inflation has not been at 1% per year,” Judd said. “We’re scared every time we spend money.”

Judd said while the budget for 2022 shows $81,250 in total expenditures, the spending has dropped significantly over the last three years, cutting back nearly a third of what was spent in 2019. She said while updating the levy to what is proposed on the ballot would be the best option, there are other solutions as well such as downsizing, billing for EMS services, merging or not paying for third-party EMS services, among other things.

While those are other options, Judd said they each come with a lot of issues themselves, and tightening the budget is becoming more difficult.

“Our commissioners gave up their monthly stipend, phone service is being discontinued at the fire hall, and our volunteers do the majority of our general maintenance on their own time, in addition to the time they spend training.” Judd said. “Short of shutting off the lights, and not heating the fire hall, the belt is tight.”

Judd was adamant that while the levy will help extensively on the financial side, more volunteers in the district would be beneficial to keeping the district running smoothly and responding to emergencies in the community in a safe and effective manner.