EMS Levy Up For August Ballot

Note: This is a press release from . You can also 'like' Vote EMS on Facebook. The title was changed by Patch staff and changes are reflected in the article.

Area voters will be asked to renew the levy for emergency medical services (EMS) provided by East Pierce Fire and Rescue for another 10 years. Voters living in communities served by the fire district had previously authorized a rate of $.50 per thousand of assessed value for EMS services.

“This is not a new tax,” East Pierce Fire Chief Jerry E. Thorson said. “The proposition simply renews the medical services levy previously approved by the voters.”

Renewing the EMS levy will mean continued funding to operate and maintain emergency medical aid vehicles staffed by firefighters who are also qualified as either emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or paramedics. The funds provide for rapid emergency response and the extensive EMS training required by law. Further, it allows the district to provide ambulance transport to residents at no out-of-pocket expense to the patient.

East Pierce Fire and Rescue provides life-saving medical assistance to the residents of Pierce County Fire District No. 22, including the cities of Bonney Lake, Sumner, Edgewood, Milton, South Prairie, Wilkeson, the Ridge Communities and the area around Lake Tapps – approximately 87,000 people. In 2010, East Pierce responded to 7,655 total emergency calls. Of those, nearly 75 percent, or 5,667 calls, were emergency medical-related incidents.

Ballots are set to be mailed on or before July 29. Completed ballots are to be returned by mail or dropped off at Express Booths on or before August 16. Ballot deposit sites will be open 24/7, and will close at 8 p.m. on the 16th.

The ballot deposit sites in the East Pierce Fire District are located at the Bonney Lake Park and Ride on Sky Island Drive East and 184th Avenue East; at the Sumner Library, at 1116 Fryar Avenue; and at the Edgewood City Hall, at 2224 104th Avenue East.