Fire District #6 seeks first major tax increase in its 70 year history

DRYDEN — Chelan County Fire District #6 (CCFD #6) is asking voters to approve a levy rate of $1.40 per $1,000 of assessed valuation in the Aug. 5 special election.

CCFD #6 has not had a voter-approved levy increase since its formation in 1955. According to the district, the current levy rate of 31.5 cents is lower than 98 percent of all fire districts in the state, ranking 316 out of 321. As a result, it is facing $10.7 million in unmet critical needs.

The fire district serves a population of approximately 7,300 residents, overseeing a 45 square mile coverage area that spans from Blewett Pass to Monitor, and includes areas of Cashmere that sit outside of city limits. It consists of one paid fire chief and 60 volunteers that operate out of four stations: Peshastin, Monitor, Dryden, and Valley Hi, located up Blewett Pass.

Over the last decade, the fire district has experienced increases in vehicle traffic, property value, and calls. According to its 2024-2030 strategic plan, vehicle traffic through the area has increased by 23 percent, and protected property value by 71 percent. Over the last four years, emergency call responses have increased by nearly 30 percent. 

However, the budget has remained static. Under the current levy rate, its annual operating budget is $425,000. As a result, much of the district’s gear and equipment is between 20 and 50 years old, noncompliant, and has been unreliable in emergencies, according to Fire Chief Andy Lee. Last month, he had three engines break down in one week. 

“Very conservative commissioners, looking out for the public money, that’s how we got here. So everybody meant well…Now, we're in a position that we have to say, okay, yeah, we want to be conservative…but we also have to look out for public safety,” Fire Commissioner Ray Schmitten told constituents during a May 6 community meeting.

The fire district’s last attempt at an increase was a proposed rate of 78 cents in 2011, which Lee described as a ‘Hail Mary.’ The proposition was put on the ballot with little to no outreach. 

Over the last few years, CCFD #6 started expanding its outreach with monthly newsletters in an attempt to make itself more known to the public. More recently, it has been making door-to-door neighborhood introductions, marking its coverage area with signs, and hosting community meetings.

“As long as I've been around the district has never reached out to the public – that I can remember – like we are today. We've always just been kind of back here in the corner. Just nobody knew who Fire District #6 was, other than our partners,” said Lee.

If approved, the $1.40 rate would provide the fire district with a $750,000 annual operating budget, with $1.21 million annually to address these needs, shrinking the deficit to an estimated $3.52 million in six years.

If it fails to pass, the fire district says it will cut Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in January 2026, shifting the responsibility to ambulance companies and surrounding districts. CCFD #6 said it would also consider suspending all of its motor vehicle accident responses, which account for 17 percent of the district’s calls, as well as closing its Valley Hi and Peshastin stations.

“We don't have a choice. If it doesn't pass, then services will get reduced. Anything that we're not required to do by the state will probably get axed. Because, by law, we have to provide fire protection,” said Lee.

Election Day is Aug. 5. Voter updates and registration can be completed in-person from July 29 until 8 p.m. on the day of the election.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media