CLARKSTON, WA – Voters in the City of Clarkston have rejected a proposed excess tax levy intended to fund emergency medical services, according to unofficial results from the November 4, 2025, election.

Of the 1,122 ballots cast on the measure, 476 voters (42.42%) supported the levy, while 646 voters (57.58%) opposed it. The proposition would have allowed the city to maintain and operate its Ambulance and Emergency Medical Services through a special excess tax collected in 2026.

Had it passed, the levy rate would have increased from 1.505 in 2025 to 2.645 per thousand dollars of assessed value, a roughly 76% increase. City officials warned that failure of the levy could lead to the elimination of six of the department’s 13 full-time firefighter positions.

With the levy rejected, the City of Clarkston may now need to rely on neighboring agencies to provide future emergency medical response.

The election was part of the Asotin County vote, which saw a turnout of 33.71% among 15,125 registered voters. A total of 5,098 ballots were counted, with an estimated 650 ballots remaining to be tabulated.