Voters solidly support EMS levy renewal

Skagit County voters are casting over 70% yes ballots and overwhelmingly approving proposition No. 1, Continuation of Emergency Medical Services Levy, in the April 23 election. After the third vote count Monday, April 29, 70.8% of votes, 19, 912 are yes, to the 8,192 no votes.

The 91.5% yes vote in Shelter Bay was the highest among greater La Conner precincts. Swinomish precinct voters cast 87.6% yes; Snee Oosh votes were 82.1% yes and the La Conner vote was 80.5% yes. The March Point precinct was voting the levy down, 7 no votes to 6 yes votes.

The renewal, good for six years, funds 24/7 EMS response at a rate of $0.47 per $1,000 of assessed property. The current levy expires this year.

The countywide EMS system provides ambulance transport to area hospitals. Skagit County EMS has stated that the additional funding will support increased call volumes and pay for equipment, supplies and staff education and training.

About 28,300 votes were cast, a turnout around 33% of the 85,647 registered Skagit County voters.

There were some 200 ballots that were left to be counted April 30. Certification of results is May 3.