Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue’s levy that provides for Emergency Medical Service (EMS) will expire at the end of the year. Here is a list of questions you may have about the EMS levy renewal. Feel free to send us others to add to the list at ilimarzi@ckfr.org. Thank you!
What is on my ballot?
Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue is asking voters to renew the EMS levy at the previously approved rate of $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Why is my fire district asking for this?
Funding for our EMS program will expire at the end of the year if not renewed by voters. EMS is the emergency service our community relies on the most. In 2020, we responded to 8,827 calls – 64% of which were EMS-related.
Have EMS call volumes increased for CKFR?
Yes, EMS call volumes alone have increased 24% since voters last renewed the levy in 2015.
When does the current EMS levy expire? When will the new one start?
The current EMS levy expires on December 31, 2021. The new EMS levy would start in 2022 if approved by voters.
Is this a new tax?
No, this is not a new tax. Voter last approved a six-year EMS levy for $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2015.
How much does it cost?
The EMS levy costs the owner of a $400,000 home approximately $200 per year ($16.67 per month) for a 24-hour Paramedic response. You can find the exact amount you pay for EMS on your property tax statement. Here is a chart that gives you a rough idea based on a property’s assessed value:
| Assessed Value |
Annual Cost |
Monthly Cost |
| $100,000 |
$ 50 |
$ 4.17 |
| $200,000 |
$100 |
$ 8.33 |
| $300,000 |
$150 |
$12.50 |
| $400,000 |
$200 |
$16.67 |
| $500,000 |
$250 |
$20.83 |
| $600,000 |
$300 |
$25 |
What is the difference between assessed value and market value of a property?
The assessed value of a property is typically lower than the market value. Assessed value is used to determine what you pay in property taxes. (You can find the assessed value on your property tax statement.) Market value is what someone would pay for a property if it were for sale.
What type of EMS care do we receive?
The EMS levy funds both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) care to residents. BLS uses nationally certified Emergency Medical Technicians for non-critical calls, such as first aid, basic CPR, and administering some medications. ALS is the highest level of care available delivered in the field by Paramedics who are nationally certified through 1,800 hours of life-saving training, such as starting IVs, surgical procedures to clear airways and stop serious bleeding, and advanced cardiac life support. .
How long will the levy last?
Like before, the EMS levy would last for six years.
Who pays the EMS levy?
Property owners pay the EMS levy through their property taxes.
What does the EMS levy fund?
Funding from the levy is used for emergency personnel, training and certifications, ambulances, medical equipment and supplies.
Why is the levy rate lower on my property tax statement?
Levy rates fall as property values rise to limit a fire district to roughly the same amount of revenue a year. For example, voters approved the last EMS levy in 2015 at $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. That rate has dropped to $0.36 per $1,000 as the assessed value of properties has increased.
If the EMS levy is renewed, the 14-cent difference would be an additional $56 per year ($4.67 per month) for a property valued at $400,000. This funding is used to keep up with rising call volumes and costs to provide service.
Who can I contact with additional questions?
Fire Chief John Oliver welcomes your questions at joliver@ckfr.org or (360) 447-3566. Thank you for learning more about this important issue.
