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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2026 Fire Benefit Charge & Petition for Adjustment 

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Voters approved a Fire Benefit Charge in 2024. 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.

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The amount of your Benefit Charge can be found on the tax statement you receive from the Chelan or Douglas County Assessor in February each year. 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 2026 Fire Benefit Charge is posted on the department's Fire Benefit Charge webpage. Homeowners can submit the petition to request their 2026 charge be reviewed for possible adjustment.

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Petitions must be received by Wenatchee Valley Fire Department no later than 5:00 pm, Thursday, April 2, 2026. The Benefit Charge Appeals Hearing will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Fire Station 1 located at 377 Eastmont Avenue in East Wenatchee. 

Contact the fire department with questions at 509-662-4734, or email appeals@wvfire.org.

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Return Petitions for Adjustment by 5:00 pm on Thursday, April 2, 2026, to:

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Email:  appeals@wvfire.org                 

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

Hand Deliver:  731 N. Wenatchee Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801 

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Appeals Hearing: 1:00 pm on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Fire Station 1, 377 Eastmont Avenue, East Wenatchee​​

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