King County Residents Approve $1.45B Levy for Medic One-EMS
King County residents have overwhelmingly approved a $1.45 billion property tax levy to fund Medic One and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The levy, which passed with 79.4% voter approval, will ensure continued lifesaving services for the over 2.3 million people served by Medic One-EMS in Seattle and King County.
The new levy will expand services and update tools for 911 dispatchers and responders. It will also continue funding for 27 advanced life support paramedic units and firefighters trained as emergency medical technicians. Additionally, it provides increased funding for Mobile Integrated Healthcare, currently served by 11 mobile health care teams.
The levy rate is set at 25 cents per $1,000 assessed value. For instance, homeowners of an $850,000 home can expect to pay about $212 annually. The levy faced no organized opposition, reflecting the community's support for Medic One-EMS services.
The successful levy ensures that Medic One-EMS can maintain its high standards of care, making cardiac arrest victims in Seattle and King County two to three times more likely to survive compared to other communities. The expanded services and updated tools will further enhance the quality of emergency medical services provided to residents.
