Preliminary election results show the majority of voters cast their ballots in favor of a replacement emergency medical services (EMS) levy for South Pierce Fire and Rescue.
After the first count of ballots on Tuesday night, the measure received 1,981 votes, or 66.9%, in favor of the measure, while 980, or 33.1% of voters, cast ballots in opposition.
The six-year levy is estimated to cost 50 cents or less per $1,000 of assessed value.
Funding from the levy will be used for ambulances, emergency personnel, training and certifications, medical equipment and supplies.
The levy will replace the current one on the books which is set to expire at the end of the year.
Since 2019, the overall volume of calls South Pierce Fire and Rescue responds to has increased 29%, according to the district’s website.
The district, which serves Roy, McKenna and the surrounding areas, responded to 3,228 emergency calls in 2021. Over 2,500 of those calls were related to EMS services.
“Our EMS levy funds the highest level of emergency medical service available, called Advanced Life Support (ALS), with highly trained paramedics,” states the district’s website. “That means you or a loved one are receiving the highest standard of emergency care from the time we arrive on scene and all the way to the hospital.”
South Pierce Fire and Rescue stated an owner of a home worth $450,000 would pay $225 a year, or $18.75 a month, for 24-hour per day paramedic response if the levy is approved, stated the release.
