Voters in the South King Fire District have overwhelmingly approved Proposition No. 1 – authorizing a Fire Benefit Charge – in Tuesday’s (Aug. 6, 2024) Primary Election.

The measure, which sought to provide funding for fire protection and emergency medical services, received strong support from the community with a 30.86 percent approval.

South King Fire Proposition No. 1: 

  • Yes 10,157 votes (65.43%)
  • No 5,366 votes (34.57%)

The approval of the proposition will ensure continued and enhanced services for residents in the South King Fire District, which serves the cities of Des Moines and Federal Way with seven fire stations and one Training and Maintenance station.

Here’s text of the ballot measure from the King County Elections website:

“South King Fire, serving the citizens of Greater Federal Way and Des Moines, is placing a ‘fire benefit charge’ proposition on the August 6, 2024, ballot, pursuant to RCW 52.18, which allows the benefit charges to fund and maintain fire district operations. A benefit charge is not a tax and is not based on property valuation, but on the cost of providing service. If approved, the benefit charge, in effect for six years commencing in 2025, will be based on square footage and fire flows for all types of property, utilizing a consistent, industry accepted formula.

“Historically, the District has used regular tax levies and/or excess levies for maintenance and operations to provide sufficient revenue to maintain services. During that time, the average tax rates have been more than $1.00 per thousand of assessed valuation. If the benefit charge is approved, the property tax rate will be capped at $1.00 per thousand. The benefit charge will provide the necessary revenue to maintain services, utilizing a more fair and stabilized funding model, less reliant on property tax. Benefit charges cannot exceed 60% of the Districts operating budget.

“Approval of this proposition would allow the District to stabilize its funding to better meet the rising demands of emergency services of its communities.”

“It’s a privilege and an honor to serve our communities with the critical fire and emergency services they need,” Fire Chief Van Valkenburg said. “The FBC will help us meet the rising demands, and we appreciate our community’s continued support.”

The final results will be certified Aug. 20, 2024.