CLARKSTON, WA – Asotin County Fire District #1 is asking voters to consider an EMS levy lid lift in the August 5 election to maintain and improve emergency medical services in the community.

District officials say the measure is necessary to address rising call volumes and the increasing costs of providing EMS. According to the district, call volumes have jumped 50% since the last EMS levy renewal in 2016, while inflation has driven up the cost of equipment and operations. For example, the price of an ambulance has risen from $200,000 to $300,000, and fire engines now cost over $1.2 million.

Currently, the EMS levy rate has dropped to $0.36 per $1,000 of assessed property value due to state-imposed revenue limits. The district is proposing a $0.14 increase to return the rate to the original $0.50 approved by voters in 2016. If passed, the lid lift would cost the owner of a $300,000 home an estimated $3.50 per month, or $42 annually.

The proposed funding would support staffing to handle increased EMS calls and allow the district to replace two aging ambulances. It would also provide for cardiac monitors, defibrillators, and essential medical supplies.

Asotin County Fire District #1 emphasizes that EMS accounts for 90% of all emergency calls in the area. The fire district is funded separately from Asotin County and remains subject to a 1% annual revenue cap, regardless of property value changes.

Ballots must be postmarked or returned to an official drop box by 8 p.m. on August 5. Drop boxes are located at:

• Asotin County Auditor’s Office

• Asotin County Courthouse

• Clarkston City Hall

• Lincoln Middle School

For more information, residents can visit www.acfd1.org or contact Chief Noel Hardin at 509-758-5181 or nhardin@asotincountywa.gov.