How do we fund emergency services?

 

We fund emergency services with a combination of a fire levy and fire benefit charge. Both are paid through property taxes.

 

What is a fire levy? 

 

A fire levy is based on a property’s assessed value. This means two houses of the same size can pay dramatically different amounts depending on their location within our fire district, while the cost to defend both in a fire is likely the same.

 

​What is a fire benefit charge?

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A fire benefit charge is an annual fee that is based on a building’s size, use, and cost to defend in a fire. Smaller structures, such as single-family homes, are charged less than larger commercial or industrial buildings because it costs less to serve them during a fire or other emergency.​

A fire benefit charge must be approved by voters every six years. The annual rate is set by the Board of Fire Commissioners in a public hearing.​

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​Petition to Adjust 2025 Fire Benefit Charge

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The amount of your 2025 Benefit Charge can be found on the tax statement you receive from the Chelan or Douglas County Assessor in February. Property owners have the right to appeal their fire benefit charge if they believe it is incorrect.

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A Petition for Adjustment of the 2025 Fire Benefit Charge is posted below. Homeowners can submit the petition to request their 2025 charge be reviewed for possible adjustment. Petitions must be received by Wenatchee Valley Fire Department no later than 5:00 pm, Wednesday, March 19, 2025. The Benefit Charge Appeals Hearing will be held on Wednesday, March 26 at 1:00 pm, Fire Station 1, 377 Eastmont Avenue, East Wenatchee. All appeals will be considered; you do not need to be present at the hearing. ​Contact the fire department with questions at 509-662-4734, or email appeals@wvfire.org.

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Petition Deadline:  5:00 pm, Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Email:  appeals@wvfire.org                 

Mail:  WVFD, PO Box 2106, Wenatchee, WA 98807

Hand Deliver:  731 N. Wenatchee Avenue, Wenatchee

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Appeals Hearing:  1:00 pm on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Fire Station 1, 377 Eastmont Avenue, East Wenatchee

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