CLARKSTON, WA – Voters in Asotin County have approved a renewal and increase of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) levy, according to preliminary results from the August 5, 2025 Primary Election.

The EMS levy lid lift for Fire District 1 was approved by 68.63% of voters, with 1,890 voting in favor and 864 opposed. According to election officials, a total of 2,754 ballots have been counted so far, with an estimated 400 ballots remaining to be tallied. Voter turnout currently stands at 28.6%. Final certification is scheduled for August 19, 2025.

The approved measure restores the EMS levy rate from $0.36 to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value, a level last approved by voters in 2016.

District officials have cited a 50% increase in EMS call volumes since the last levy was passed, with EMS services now making up 90% of all emergency calls. The additional funding is intended to support staffing and replace aging equipment, including two ambulances, and to purchase critical medical supplies such as defibrillators and cardiac monitors.

Officials estimate the cost to taxpayers at roughly $3.50 per month—or $42 annually—for a home valued at $300,000, which is the average in the district.