South County Fire’s Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a balanced budget that funds emergency services operations for 2026.

The budget of just over $130 million includes additional support to meet the community’s growing needs while continuing to keep taxpayer costs as low as possible. Commissioners supported shifting a slightly higher portion of funding onto the benefit charge instead of property taxes. The benefit charge provides a more fair way to fund emergency services because it’s based on a building’s size and risk instead of property value.

Included in the budget are 30 additional firefighters plus six administrative staff to preserve emergency services. In order to maintain fiscal responsibility in the midst of economic uncertainties, the board will require additional approval before most positions are filled.

Here’s what the average homeowner can expect:

• Overall, the 2026 budget adds a total of just over $7 per month to the average homeowner’s costs.

• That includes an estimated property tax levy rate slightly less than the prior year: $1.15 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
• The benefit charge for the owner of a 2,000-square-foot-home will increase from approximately $70.39 annually to $106.92, a difference of less than $37 for the entire year.

 “This is about more than balancing numbers,” said Fire Chief Bob Eastman. “It’s about honoring your trust and making sure every dollar supports our commitment to safety, transparency and responsible use of the resources you give us.”

The 2026 budget keeps South County Fire among the lowest-cost fire emergency service providers in all of Snohomish County. Learn more about how your emergency services are funded.