Key Peninsula Fire Department Asks Voters to Approve Levy to Restore Staffing and Services

Key Peninsula Fire Department is back at the ballot, asking voters for crucial funding after last year’s levy setback.

After a tough year of budget shortfalls, temporary station closures, and staffing struggles, the Key Peninsula Fire Department is once again urging residents to approve a ballot measure on August 5th. This measure aims to restore property tax rates to help the department maintain its essential services — many of which hit a snag after voters rejected a levy in 2024.

What’s the Ballot Measure About?

In simple terms, the fire department wants to raise property taxes back up to 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value starting in 2026. This was the approved rate in 2019, but due to state property tax rules, the current rate has slid down to 32 cents per $1,000. That drop is because of something called the “1% cap” — a state law that limits how much property tax revenue jurisdictions can increase year over year. So, even as property values rise, this cap automatically lowers the tax rate to keep revenue increases under 1% annually.

The ballot measure is a “levy lid lift,” which means it would lift that cap, allowing the fire district to collect more revenue to cover its costs. If voters say yes, homeowners will see an increase — for example, someone with a $500,000 home would pay about $250 annually, or roughly $20.83 monthly. That’s about $87.50 more per year compared to the current rate.

Why Does This Matter?

Last year, the department answered nearly 3,000 calls. Fire Chief Nick Swinhart emphasized that more than 70% of those calls were medical emergencies — things like heart attacks, strokes, serious accidents, and falls. The EMS levy funds the paramedics and EMTs who rush to those emergencies, as well as the ambulances and equipment they rely on. Without adequate funding, these critical services risk being compromised.

The Fallout from the 2024 Levy Failure

Voters turned down a maintenance and operations levy in November 2024 — the first time since 2012 that such a levy was rejected. That levy had been renewed every four years until then. After its failure, the department faced a steep $800,000 revenue loss, forcing some hard financial decisions.

Public concern about transparency and budget management surfaced, especially after the department purchased three parcels in Key Center in 2021. The properties were bought using a low-interest loan instead of tapping into the department’s existing funds, sparking some questions from residents.

As a result, Fire Department spokesperson Anne Nesbit said the department had to “tighten its belts.” This meant leaving some firefighter positions vacant and cutting daily minimum staffing from seven firefighters to five. Those cuts led to occasional “brownouts” — temporary station closures — when there weren’t enough personnel to cover shifts.

The Impact of Staffing Cuts and Station Brownouts

The department’s Longbranch station faced several brownouts this year, closing temporarily in January, February, April, and May. These closures happened because staffing shortages made it impossible to safely operate all three stations simultaneously.

Chief Swinhart explained that holding shifts with fewer staff saved money on overtime but came with a price: reduced coverage and longer wait times for emergency response.

What Happens if the Levy Passes?

If the ballot measure succeeds, Nesbit said the fire department plans to restore staffing to seven firefighters per shift and fill four vacant positions, bringing the total firefighter count back up to 33. That would allow the department to eliminate brownouts and provide more consistent, reliable emergency coverage across the Key Peninsula.

The department is also keeping a close eye on the timing of the measure. If it doesn’t pass in August, the Board of Fire Commissioners will consider placing it on the November ballot as a backup plan. If it passes in August, it will be pulled from the November docket.

Fire Commissioner Race Adds Another Layer

Alongside the levy, five candidates are vying for seats on the Board of Fire Commissioners, with the top two advancing to the November general election. One commissioner, Cambria Queen, was appointed last year after a resignation, so the upcoming election will fill that seat officially.

Candidates’ statements in the Pierce County Voters’ Pamphlet reflect a strong focus on staffing, budget transparency, and efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

• Gretchen Schneider, a paramedic with 10 years of service, pledges to “maintain the highest level of integrity” and increase transparency about where tax dollars go. She’s committed to working closely with the fire department’s senior staff and union to reduce response times while keeping first responders safe.

• Colleen Marie Mullen, a former fire captain and Navy veteran medic, focuses on reducing emergency response times and ensuring stations are properly staffed. She also hopes to introduce new rescue programs, like water rescue and high-angle rescue, to boost safety and preparedness.

• Ed Bressette Jr. brings 30 years of YMCA experience managing budgets, facilities, and long-term planning. He highlights the tough financial decisions needed to balance staffing, equipment, facilities, and growth on limited funds.

• Josh Johnson, the only candidate to respond directly to The News Tribune, says he’s running to “restore public trust” in the fire district. His priorities include rebuilding the volunteer program, improving budget transparency, and managing funds efficiently if the levy passes — all while maintaining core services and finding cost-saving opportunities.

• Candidate Jennifer Dow did not submit information to the voters’ pamphlet.

Why Voters Should Care

The fire department is the frontline defense for emergencies in Key Peninsula — from fires to medical crises. Yet, budget constraints have forced them to cut back, close stations temporarily, and reduce staff. This ballot measure is the department’s chance to reverse those cuts and rebuild capacity.

If you own a home, the property tax increase is modest — less than $21 per month for a $500,000 property. But the benefits include fully staffed stations, faster emergency response, and well-equipped crews ready to protect the community.

Key Takeaways

• The ballot measure is a “levy lid lift” to raise the fire department’s property tax rate from 32 to 50 cents per $1,000 assessed value.

• The increase helps restore staffing levels, fill firefighter vacancies, and eliminate temporary station closures.

• Last year, 70% of fire department calls were medical emergencies requiring paramedics and EMTs.

• The 2024 levy failure resulted in an $800,000 funding loss, forcing staff cuts and brownouts.

• Five candidates are running for the Board of Fire Commissioners with a focus on transparency, staffing, and effective budget management.

• If passed, the tax increase would cost a homeowner with a $500,000 property about $87.50 more annually, roughly $20.83 per month.

• The Board will consider placing the measure on the November ballot if it doesn’t pass in August.