Edmonds RFA proposal would add new property tax burden on residents
City of Edmonds finances are currently in dire straits. City leaders are looking at a $13 million budget deficit in their 2025 budget. Without spending cuts or additional tax revenue, the city is projected to be insolvent by as soon as 2027.
One way city leaders are considering raising additional tax revenue is by annexing the city into the South Snohomish County Regional Fire Authority (RFA). If approved, this proposal would add an entirely new property tax for fire service that is currently provided to citizens by the City of Edmonds. This also leaves the door open for “double dipping”, whereby city leaders could utilize existing tax revenue which is spent on fire service and divert those funds to plugging the gap on the deficit (general fund city spending) rather than refunding taxpayers who would no longer be receiving fire services from the city.
This plan will add up to $1,000 to the property tax bills of Edmonds residents.
It is critical that the City Council say “no” to this Regional Fire Authority annexation proposal and any other proposals which would result in increased property taxes on Edmonds residents.
What you can do:
CONTACT THE EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL NOW TO VOICE YOUR CONCERNS WITH THE PROPOSED RFA ANNEXATION AND ANY NEW CITY PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
The Edmonds City Council plans to vote on supporting the RFA annexation idea and place it on the April 2025 ballot at their December 3rd Council meeting. Your engagement can make a big difference on this critical issue.