What’s on my ballot?

King County Fire District 45 (Duvall Fire) is asking voters to renew the fire benefit charge that funds emergency services. The proposal will be on the April 22, 2025 special election ballot.

 

Why is my fire district proposing this?

The fire district funds emergency services through a fire levy and a fire benefit charge. The fire benefit charge will expire at the end of the year.

 

What is the difference between a fire levy and a fire benefit charge?

A fire levy is a tax based on a property’s assessed value. Two homes of the same size can pay different amounts based on their assessed value as determined by the King County Assessor’s Office.

 

The fire benefit charge is an assessment based on a structure’s size, use and risk. Smaller buildings, such as residential homes, pay less than higher-risk properties, such as large commercial or industrial buildings. With a fire benefit charge, properties of equal size contribute the same amount, regardless of assessed value.

 

How does a fire benefit charge work?

A fire benefit charge reduces the fire levy rate by $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Your locally-elected Board of Fire Commissioners then sets the fire benefit charge once a year at a public meeting based on operational needs of the fire district.

 

How long does a benefit service charge last? What does it cost?

Voters must approve the benefit service charge every six years. The owner of a 2,000 square foot home (considered average) will pay approximately $582.78 in 2025.

 

What if I don’t agree with the assessment?

Property owners have the opportunity to appeal their assessment each year. Seniors, disabled persons, exempt properties, and low-income households maintain any current exemptions they have through King County.

 

Learn more about the fire benefit charge at https://www.duvallfire45.com/bsc. Fire Chief Ben Lane also welcomes your questions at financegroup@esf-r.org or (425) 313-3200.