Why We Are On The Ballot?

Hi, I’m Fire Chief Mike Wickstrom with Walla Walla County Fire District 5. I’d like to share our plans to improve emergency services for our residents.

We’re asking voters for a fire levy lid lift to fund additional firefighters and station renovations to respond to the higher demand for emergency services.

The proposition will be on the August 6, 2024, primary election ballot.

Our call volumes have increased 100 percent in the last 10 years, but our staffing levels have not kept up with this growing demand.

On average, we respond to 700 calls per year, and 65 percent are for medical emergencies.

We have a long tradition of volunteers serving our community – and that isn’t changing. However, it is difficult to attract and retain volunteers.

Right now, we do not have enough personnel to staff and operate our fire engines and medic units. This is leading to longer response times.

We have been able to operate efficiently for the last 30 years without having to ask for a levy lid lift.

This is no longer an option. Our revenue is not keeping up with higher call volumes and costs to provide service.

We’re asking voters to change the levy rate from $1.22 to $1.38 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

The $0.16 lid lift would cost an additional $48 per year or $4 per month for the owner of a $350,000 home.

You can also email me with any questions at  mwickstrom@wwcfd5.org.

Thanks for considering our funding request.