Fire and emergency services levy

In Feb. 2022, Vancouver voters approved an increase to the City’s regular property tax levy by $.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. The increase generates approximately $17 million per year to pay for additional firefighters, equipment and construction, and seismic retrofitting of fire facilities to enhance service delivery.

How was the revenue spent in 2023?

• $5.1 million: Hired and equipped 36 firefighters/firefighter-paramedics (of 40 uniformed positions authorized).
• $2 million: Ordered one new ladder truck to service the Fire Station 8 area, 213 N.E. 120th Avenue.
• $1.1 million: Purchased property for a future replacement Station 3, located off Lieser Road.
• $0.3 million: Purchased one new squad vehicle to transport the necessary tools, equipment, and personnel needed to perform a vehicle extrication on scene.
• $0.2 million: Filled three new fire support positions.
• $0.2 million: Professional services spent on recruitment costs (pre-hire testing, medical evaluations for hiring list candidates).
• $0.1 million:  Started design work for a new logistics warehouse at Station 5.