Editorials For more than 30 years, Washougal taxpayers have supported emergency medical services provided with the help of monies generated from a property tax levy. When ballots arrive in the mail later this week for the Aug. 17 Primary Election, voters should continue this trend and vote “yes” on the City of Washougal emergency medical services property tax levy.
This isn’t a new tax, but instead is a renewal of an existing six-year levy that is set to expire at the end of 2010.If the levy is approved, the current tax rate of 50 cents per $1,000 assessed property value will continue. The owner of a $250,000 home would pay approximately $125 annually.
The funding provides for paramedic ambulance service for Washougal residents. It also pays the salaries of two firefighters. The department operates with a minimum staffing level of two firefighters on duty. The levy also provides money for emergency medical training for all WFD personnel.
For the past three decades, through an inter-local agreement and this property tax levy, Washougal has received locally-provided emergency medical services. In the upcoming election, voters should mark “yes” on their ballots so that this quality, well-managed and consistent emergency medical service care continues.
