CLARKSTON, WA – Voters in Asotin County will be asked to consider a renewal of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) levy in the August 5, 2025 Primary Election. The proposed measure would restore the levy rate from $0.36 to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value, a level last approved by voters in 2016.
To help residents better understand the ballot measure, Fire Chief Noel Hardin of Asotin County Fire District #1 will host two public Q&A sessions. The first will take place on July 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the fire station located at 2377 Appleside Blvd. in Clarkston. The second will be held on July 26 at 9 a.m. at Kenzie’s Koffee, 111 Filmore St. in Asotin.
According to district officials, EMS services make up 90% of all emergency calls. Since the last EMS levy was passed, EMS call volumes have increased by 50%, placing growing demand on personnel, vehicles, and medical supplies.
The proposed levy “lid lift” would generate funding to support staffing and replace aging equipment, including two ambulances. It would also fund the purchase of defibrillators, cardiac monitors, and other medical supplies. The cost increase for the owner of a $300,000 home—the average in the district—would be approximately $3.50 per month or $42 per year.
Inflation has sharply increased the cost of emergency equipment. An ambulance that once cost just over $200,000 now costs around $300,000, and the price of a fire engine has risen from $500,000 to $1.2 million, according to officials.
Residents with questions are encouraged to attend the upcoming information sessions or contact Chief Hardin directly at
or 509-758-5181.
The EMS levy is one of two voter-approved funding sources for the district, along with a separate fire levy.
