We will be asking voters to renew our general M&O (Maintenance and Operations) Levy to $1.50 Per Thousand in August of 2021. This means that, on a $400,000 home, that equates to a $4.00 a month increase. Our levy was last restored in 2016 by the voters.
SE Thurston Fire Authority covers 129 sq miles and serves a population of approx. 35,802 citizens in Yelm, Rainier, the Lake Lawrence community, and the surrounding unincorporated area. SE Thurston Fire Authority continues to see a large increase in growth, which equates to increased requests for service. Over the past 5 years, SE Thurston Fire Authority has seen requests for service increase by over 10%.
2021 is on pace to see another 5% increase in requests for service. The cost to operate has increased in the past 5 years by over 20%. 98% of SE Thurston Fire Authority’s revenue comes from the general M&O levy. Funds from this levy renewal will be used to maintain our current levels of service.