South County Fire's proposed budget adds 30 firefighters, six administrative staff.
EVERETT — The South County Fire Board of Commissioners opened public comment for the proposed 2026 budget, benefit charge and levies on Tuesday.
The 2026 budget will keep South County Fire among the lowest-cost emergency service providers in Snohomish County, according to a South County Fire press release.
At a cost increase of approximately $7 per month for the average homeowner, the 2026 funding proposal would add 30 firefighters and six administrative staff, the release said.
The budget intends to shift a slightly higher portion of funding onto the benefit charge, a fee based on a building’s size, use and hazards, rather than property taxes. The benefit charge for a 2,000-square-foot home would increase from $70.39 to $106.92, a difference of less than $37 for the year, the release said.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/south-county-fires-proposed-budget-adds-30-firefighters-six-administrative-staff/