West Richland voters passing fire district levy

A levy “lid lift” for Benton County Fire District 4 to help return its levy to previous levels was passing Tuesday night with 55 percent.

In 2014, West Richland voters approved a levy of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

As property values rise and the number of homes in the district increases, levy rates adjust to maintain the same level of funding. The levy rate has fallen to $1.35 per $1,000 of assessed value.

The lid lift allows voters to return the levy to the previously approved rate of $1.50.

If passed, the additional cost for an owner of a $250,000 home would be $38 more per year for a total of $375 in annual property taxes.

The district has said the increase will help it keep up with rising costs and increasing demands, and provide funds for more staffing.

According to the district, an aging population has caused more than a 78 percent increase in calls for service since 2010.

The district includes 52 square miles and 18,000 people.

This story was originally published August 4, 2020 at 8:58 PM.