August 2026 Primary Election

Since 1996, Fircrest voters have approved an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Levy to provide dedicated funding for emergency medical care and services delivered by the Tacoma Fire Department.  The current six-year levy expires on December 31, 2026.

The August 2026 Primary Election ballot measure asks voters whether to renew the existing EMS levy for another six years beginning January 1, 2027.  If approved, the levy would restore the current maximum rate to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value and would maintain the current level of emergency medical services provided by the Tacoma Fire Department.

EMS Levy at a Glance

📅 First Approved:  1996
⏳ Current Levy Expires:  December 31, 2026
🗳️ Proposed Renewal:  January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2032
💲 Maximum Levy Rate:  Up to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed value
🚒 Purpose:  Emergency Medical Services provided by the Tacoma Fire Department

What the EMS Levy Supports

EMS levy funds are dedicated to emergency medical care and services.  If approved by voters, levy revenues would continue to support:

  • Advanced Life Support (ALS)
  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • A full-time firefighter/paramedic
  • Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
  • Cardiac monitors and other emergency medical equipment
  • Advanced life support transportation costs for Fircrest residents, except where prohibited by federal regulations.

Estimated Annual Cost

The owner of a home with an assessed value of $500,000 would pay approximately $250 per year toward the EMS levy.  Actual taxes are based on the property’s assessed value as determined by the Pierce County Assessor.

What Would Approval Mean?

Approve of the measure would renew the City’s existing EMS levy and maintain the current level of emergency medical services provided by the Tacoma Fire Department.  The measure does not propose increasing the maximum levy rate above the current authorized rate of $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this a new tax?

No.  This measure would renew the existing EMS levy that Fircrest voters have approved since 1996.

Why is the levy on the ballot?

Washington law requires voter approval to continue a six-year EMS levy after it expires.  The current levy expires on December 31, 2026.

Will the levy rate increase?

The measure asks voters to renew the levy at the current maximum rate of up to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

What happens if the measure is approved?

The EMS levy would continue for another six years beginning January 1, 2027, maintaining the current level of emergency medical services provided by the Tacoma Fire Department.

What happens if the measure is not approved?

The existing EMS levy would expire at the end of 2026.  The City would no longer receive this dedicated funding source and would need to evaluate future funding options for emergency medical services.

Where can I find more information?

Residents may review the official ballot title and explanatory statement at Pierce County Voter’s Pamphlet – August 4, 2026.