Edmonds residents can learn more about the proposed annexation of the City of Edmonds into the Regional Fire Authority during four upcoming town hall meetings, with the next one set for Wednesday, March 5.
Titled “Annexation Answers: What the RFA Vote Means To You,” the forums will include leadership from the City of Edmonds and South County Fire, who will present information and answer questions, according to a city news release.
Here is the schedule:
– Wednesday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Brackett Room at City Hall, 121 5th Ave. N., and Zoom
– Thursday, March 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the Brackett Room at City Hall, 121 5th Ave. N., and Zoom
– Saturday, April 5 at 10:30 a.m. at Edmonds-Woodway High School, 7600 212th St. S.W.
– Thursday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Brackett Room at City Hall, 121 5th Ave. N.
The March 5 and March 27 meetings will be hybrid and available via Zoom: edmondswa-gov.zoom.us/j/86479818324. They will not be recorded for future viewing, the city said.
Snohomish County Assessor Linda Hjelle will attend the March 5 town hall. She will lend her expertise regarding the senior, disabled and low-income tax exemptions and their application to the levies and benefit charges that accompany annexation.
The City of Edmonds is holding a special election on April 22 asking voters to consider annexation into the South Snohomish Couty Fire and Rescue Regional Fire Authority. The Edmonds City Council proposed annexation and approved this special election by resolution on Jan. 7.
Edmonds hasn’t had its own fire department since 2009. In 2010, the city began contracting with South County Fire for fire and emergency medical services. That contract ends at the end of 2025. If annexation is approved by voters, Edmonds property owners would pay South County Fire directly for these services.
More information about the ballot measure is available at edmondswa.gov/RFA_info. Questions can be emailed to RFAinfo@edmondswa.gov.
Snohomish County Assessor Linda Hjelle’s take on the RFA taxes would be interesting to hear. Although these one-sided Town Halls unfortunately lack legitimacy to give a balanced and reasonable presentation. So disappointing by the city leaders.
Thank you Mayor and City of Edmonds for zooming the meeting on the 5th of March. It is appreciated.
Before tomorrow’s Zoom mtg, this recent Press Release is worth reading and may help clear up some of your questions and concerns. Also, it’s my understanding that voter approved levies do affect lower income/disabled rates. https://snohomishcountywa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2991
When Ms. Hjelle spoke to a council budget retreat she did all the math for council on just how much the 1% levy lift helps the city. Someone should ask her what changes the taxpayer will see. A $895,700 square ft home will be taxed $1.16/1000 for a total new tax of $1039.01. A Benefit Charge $78.70 will also be added to make a the total $1117.71. This is exactly what the city said in the Q&A doc.
Ms. Hjelle can confirm the city will no longer collect the EMS tax and for Edmonds is $.28/1000. A reduction of $250.80. Those numbers are not in dispute so the Net additional tax and BC would be $1117.71 – $250.80 = $866.91.
The city Q&A states the homeowner would have a “net increase of $445.93.”
Asking Ms Hjelle “What new taxes will be paid and want old taxes will not be collected?” would go a long way to clearly and honestly showing taxpayers the Net change. Wordsmithing to make it sound less is not ethical!
Net new taxes for various price homes:
$500k = $440
$1,000k=$880
$1,500k=$1,320
$2,000k=$1,760
The BC for various size home would be added:
1500sqft=$6096
2000sqft=$70.39
2500sqft=$78.70
3000sqft=$86.21
3500sqft=$93.12
Apartments typically have an AV around $500k. Will a landlord pass along the additional taxes? Probably Yes.
Ask Ms Hjelle to help with the math!