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BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 9.B.
For Meeting of: February 3, 2026
ITEM TITLE: EMS Levy Presentation
SUBMITTED BY: *Aaron Markham, Fire Chief
*Craig Warner, Director of Finance & Budget
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
At their January 20th, 2026, meeting, the Yakima City Council passed a motion "...to have staff present
to council at the February 3rd meeting how a $0.25 per thousand EMS Levy would plan to improve
services for the community and provide the necessary documents to put such a levy on the ballot for
Council consideration." The Fire Chief and Director of Finance & Budget will present how much revenue
an EMS Levy of this amount would generate, uses that include enhancements to the level of service
provided and a synopsis of how an EMS Levy functions.
ITEM BUDGETED:
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 24-25: A Safe and Healthy Yakima
RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
EMS_levy_presentation.pdf
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Emergency
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Aaron Markham, Fire Chief
Susan Madrigal, Admin . Assistant to the Fire Chief
Jonathan Hood, Deputy Fire Chief Operations
Christopher Hutsell, Deputy Fire Chief Administration
Craig Warner, Director of Finance
Gary Ballew, Assistant City Manager
Bronson Faul, Senior Assistant Attorney 221
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Funding P
• EMS Levy of $0. 25/1000 AV - estimated $3 million
• $0. 16/1000 AV of that would fund the staffing at station
92 ($ 1,920,000)
• The balance, $ 1,080,000, can be used for additional
EMS services :
• Fill vacant FF positions with FF/Paramedics
• Purchase new aid unit and ALS equipment
• Fund fire station facility repairs and maintenance
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Phase 1
• Fill future vacant Firefighter positions FF/Paramedics
• Transitioning to an Advanced Life Support service (ALS) is a significant
enhancement to the current level of service we provide
• Focuses on our 74% call volume being EMS
• Collaboration with IAFF. This is an integral part in ensuring we can
deliver the best possible ALS care to the residents of Yakima
• Purchase ALS equipment & supplies
• Activate ALS Engine staffed FF/Paramedics
• Purchase newer aid unit
• Maintain staffing for full operations at Fire Station 92
• Equipment Replacement/Maintenance Fund
• Building Maintenance Fund 223
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Phase 2
• Hire additional Firefighters w/Paramedic certifications
• Activate one ( 1) Advanced Life Support aid unit out of
Station 93 during peak times
• Continue building and maintenance contributions from
Phase 1
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Phase 3
• These goals are contingent upon adequate funding and/or
time . There may not be enough of either to complete all or
parts of this phase .
• Provide (1) Advanced Life Support aid unit out of Station 93 full-
time
• Activate additional aid units (budget dependent)
• Consider paramedic training for existing firefighters (contingent
on remaining funds, interest, and program availability)
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Yakima County EMS Levy History
• Originated back in 1991 (YCDEMS webpage )
• Successful renewals in 1996, 2002, 2013, and
2023
• Current levy expires on December 31, 2029
• Renewal was 6-year term at $0 . 25/ 1000 AV
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EMS Levy
• Terms : 6-year and 10-year options
• Must expire at the same time as the countywide EMS Levy
• Initial imposition requires 60% supermajority vote
• Must meet validation requirements from most recent state
general election
• State maximum is $0.50 per/1000 AV
• May not be on the same ballot as the countywide EMS Levy
• Renewals simple majority; no validation
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Yakima County Election Calendar
Election Date Air 28 Au• 4 Nov 3
resolution due Feb 27 May 1 Aug 4
8 day by mail or online registration and update deadline Apr 20 July 27 Oct 26
Apr 28 Aug 4 Nov 3
in-person registration and update deadline 8pm 8pm 8pm
overseas/military ballots mailed Mar 27 June 19 Sept 18
ballots available Apr 10 July 17 Oct 16
election certified May 8 Aug 18 Nov 24
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