Central Mason-Grapeview fire merger, FD16 levy passing

Two fire and medical service measures on Tuesday’s special election ballot were passing overwhelmingly on the first count.

Grapeview Fire District 3’s proposed merger with Central Mason Fire District 5 to provide fire and emergency medical services to areas covered by the two districts had 545 approval votes for 77.86%, and 155 rejection votes for 22.14%.

West Mason Fire District 16’s proposed property tax levy of 50 cents or less per $1,000 of assessed valuation for six years, beginning this year, for emergency medical services received 437 “yes” votes for 60.11%, and 290 “no” votes for 39.89%.

Both needed a simple majority to pass. Initial voter turnout was 30.98%. The Mason County Auditor’s Office’s canvassing board will review challenged ballots at 2 p.m. May 2 and certify the election results at 2 p.m. May 3.

The Board of Commissioners of Fire District 3 in November 2023 unanimously approved and filed a petition with District 5 to be merged with it. The District 5 Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution approving District 3’s petition. Voter approval is the final step.

If the merger passes, the levy rate would increase 18 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation, effective July 1.

West Mason Fire District 16’s new levy will only be used for medical services. The voter pamphlet states that about 60% of calls for services to the district are emergency medical service calls.

Fire chiefs from the three districts did not immediately respond to requests from the Journal to comment on the election results.