Annexation to South County Fire

Annexation Information

The Mountlake Terrace City Council passed a resolution asking voters to consider annexing to South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue Regional Fire Authority (South County Fire) on the April 25, 2023, Special Election ballot. The purpose of annexation is to protect the level and quality of fire and emergency medical services residents currently receive.

The City’s contract with South County Fire is expiring in 2024. South County Fire cannot renew it without a substantial cost increase. By law, South County Fire must charge the same rate for City property owners that fire authority property owners pay. 

The City will reduce its property tax levy and eliminate the City EMS levy to reduce impacts to taxpayers. If annexation were in effect in 2023, the net increase to the average homeowner (defined as a home with an assessed value of $616,743) would be $395 annually, or approximately $33 a month.

If voters reject annexation, the City would need to consider increasing revenue through its property tax levy, EMS levy or other non-voted tax increases such as utility taxes, fees and special assessments.

Additionally, the City may need to consider cuts to services including police, parks and recreation, planning and transportation.

South County Fire is a regional fire authority serving unincorporated southwest Snohomish County and the Cities of Mill Creek and Lynnwood. It also provides fire and emergency medical service to the Cities of Brier, Edmonds, and Mountlake Terrace under three separate service contracts. Brier and Mountlake Terrace are asking residents to consider annexing to South County Fire on the April Special Election ballot.

Check this page for periodic updates!  And thank you for considering the request. You can learn more about South County Fire at www.southsnofire.org.

News Releases
3/28/23: Residents Invited to Learn More about South County Fire Annexation
3/8/23: Voters to Decide Annexation to South County Fire