South County Fire: Bond will be on November ballot

Last month, South County Fire’s Board of Commissioners said it would delay a vote on whether to place a $420 million fire and EMS construction bond before voters in the November general election. The reason? Economic uncertainty and more time and events to hear from the public.

The delay is over. Commissioners voted unanimously on June 9 to place a fire and EMS construction bond on the November 2026 general election ballot.

If approved, the bond is estimated to cost about $11.32 per month for a home valued at $700,000, considered average for South County Fire's service area,  a rate of approximately $0.194 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

SCF, in a news release, said nearly half of South County Fire’s 15 fire stations could be inoperable after a major earthquake, according to an independent engineering assessment. Several stations also lack modern safety features that limit firefighters’ exposure to carcinogens, like diesel exhaust, and fail to meet current operational needs, SCF said.

If approved by voters, the measure would:

• Replace six aging fire stations that no longer meet modern safety and operational standards.
• Renovate and seismically upgrade four existing fire stations.
• Construct four new fire stations to meet growing service demands and maintain response times.
• Upgrade other essential facilities that directly support emergency response and readiness.

“These projects impact emergency services for every resident we serve,” said Fire Chief Shaughn Maxwell.

Fire stations included in the plan are also located throughout the regional fire authority (RFA) in Mill Creek, Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, and unincorporated Snohomish County.

Upgrades would also support the delivery of emergency services in surrounding areas, SCF said.

“We know these improvements are needed to maintain the level of fire and emergency medical services our community expects,” said Jim Kenny, chair of the South County Fire Board of Commissioners.

“The longer we wait, the price is projected to increase. We are now asking our bosses – our taxpayers – for your direction.”

South County Fire said its emergency call volume has increased more than 30% over the last decade as Snohomish County has seen rapid population growth and the introduction of light rail transit service.

Lake Serene Fire Station 23 is one of the six stations that would be replaced under the proposition. Built in 1972 to be a volunteer station, limited space means firefighter turnout gear is stored in the apparatus bay, where it is exposed to diesel exhaust – a known carcinogen.

“Many of our fire stations were designed for a different era,” Maxwell said. “Today’s emergency response requires more firefighters and more equipment than some of these facilities were built to accommodate.”

More information about the bond measure: southsnofire.org/bond.

South County Fire is seeking residents interested in serving on the voters’ pamphlet pro and con committees. Each committee will have a maximum of three members who will be appointed by the Board of Fire Commissioners to provide statements in favor or opposition to the bond ballot measure to appear in the voters’ pamphlet.

To apply, submit a brief statement of interest by mail or email to: Board Executive Assistant Melissa Blankenship, South County Fire, 12425 Meridian Ave. S, Everett WA 98208. Or send to  mblankenship@southsnofire.org. 

Applicants should indicate whether they are interested in the pro or con committee. Committee members must reside within the jurisdictional boundaries of South County Fire.

All applications must be received by South County Fire no later than 5 p.m. on July 1, 2026.