Bill creating streamlined city fire‑district option draws support from municipalities and chiefs

Committee staff explained that House Bill 2,224 would allow a city to form a fire protection district mirroring its municipal boundaries by adopting a resolution and submitting the proposition to voters; if voters approve, the district would form and the bill modifies how levies interact so the city would not necessarily have to reduce its levy by the new district rate in some configurations.

Representative Stevie, sponsor, said the bill adds a practical, voter‑driven option for cities that want to preserve local control over fire and emergency medical services while improving financial stability. "It's a strong and practical alternative," Stevie said, describing failed and later successful levy campaigns and the challenges of regional governance arrangements.

Supporting testimony came from the Association of Washington Cities, several city managers, fire chiefs and the Washington Metro Chiefs. Candace Bock of the Association of Washington Cities said the bill "adds another tool to the toolbox" and noted the bill authors are drafting amendment language to address complications around the state's $5.90 levy limit. Fire chiefs testified that the change would provide a transparent, voter‑approved option to fund services.

Opposition testimony was limited but included concerns from a taxpayer‑advocacy witness who argued the proliferation of appointed taxing authorities raises accountability issues.

The committee closed the public record after receiving broad municipal and fire‑service support and asked staff and sponsors to continue work on technical amendment language regarding levy calculations.