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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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. Property owners have the right to appeal their fire benefit charge if they believe it is incorrect. 

 

The 2025 Benefit Charge Appeals Hearing was held on Wednesday, March 26 at 1:00 pm. However, if a property owner received their tax statement later than Wednesday, March 12, 2025, petitions may be submitted for review at the Regular Meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners scheduled for April 23. For information on submitting a petition, please email appeals@wvfire.org or call 509-662-4734. ​

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