Woodinville Fire & Rescue is seeking reauthorization of the Benefit Charge. The Benefit Charge accounts for approximately 34 percent of Woodinville Fire & Rescue’s budget. It was first approved by voters for six years in 1989, and subsequently has been renewed by voters at six-year intervals, most recently in 2019. Voter approval is once again required in order to retain this revenue source. Renewal of the Benefit Charge for another six years (2026 through 2031) will allow Woodinville Fire & Rescue to maintain response times and service levels, train personnel, and purchase equipment.

The Benefit Charge is based on the occupancy type and square footage of improvements to real property and reflects the service level (i.e., fire flow of water) needed to control a fire in a particular building.  Each year, the elected Board of Fire Commissioners holds a public meeting to review the Benefit Charge and ensure fiscal responsibility for the coming year.  The law allows for partial exemptions from the charge for senior citizens, buildings with fire sprinkler systems, and some agriculture-related improvements. (I’m not aware of any agriculture-related improvement exemptions).

With the Benefit Charge in effect, state law prohibits the imposition of the $.50 regular property tax for fire protection otherwise allowed by RCW 52.16.160.