Why have other communities supported a fire benefit charge?

Traditional funding models for emergency services are based only on a property’s assessed value. That means two properties of the same type and size could be charged differently. However, the cost to defend them in a fire is likely the same. A fire benefit charge is based on a property’s size and risk of fire, which many people feel is a fairer way to charge for emergency services.

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1. What’s the issue for Mountlake Terrace property owners?
2. How do we currently receive emergency services?
3. What has the city done in response?
4. What does annexation to South County Fire mean?
5. Why did the City pick South County Fire?
6. What happens to the Mountlake Terrace fire station?
7. How will this impact service when I call 911?
8. Will firefighters lose their jobs?
9. Where is South County Fire located?
10. When is the election?
11. What happens if annexation is not approved?
12. What does the City currently pay for fire/EMS?
13. How will the City help reduce impacts to property owners?
14. What will I pay if annexation is approved?
15. How does SCF fund emergency services?
16. What is a fire benefit charge?
17. Why have other communities supported a fire benefit charge?
18. What communities/fire service providers in our area have a fire benefit charge?