Ciudad de Mountlake Terrace

The city's 20-year fire and emergency medical services (EMS) contract is coming to an end, which means Montlake Terrace must find new options for these vital services. The Montlake Terrace City Council is asking voters to consider annexation to South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue Regional Fire Authority (South County Fire). Annexation changes how the fire authority is paid - rather than the city paying the fire authority, property owners will pay South County Fire directly.

While there are other options, including restarting a city fire department or contracting with another provider, the city council has determined that this is the most cost-effective option. The city intends to eliminate its current EMS if the proposition is passed. According to the city, if annexation were in effect today, the owner of a median $616,000 home would pay South County Fire approximately $746 annually for 24-hour fire and EMS. Once the city’s general property tax reduction and the elimination of the EMS levy come into effect, the net increase would be about $395 annually. 

If the proposition is rejected, the city will likely need to increase local levies or non-voted taxes, like utility taxes, or cut local services like parks, transportation, or economic development. Vote yes on Proposition 1 to maintain the current level of needed emergency medical and fire services.