Costs are increasing for the fire department including the cost of saving people and putting out fires.

It is the reason why Yakima County Fire Protection District No. 1 is asking voters to restore the district's property tax levy to $1 per $1,000 of assessed valuation next year.

Phil Nelson is a Commissioner with Fire Protection District No. 1 which includes Cowiche, Highland and Tieton says they currently collect 82 cents on every dollar but they need more money.

With the increased costs of trying to keep and find new firefighters the cost of our operations are more than they used to be.

Nelson says operating costs and the cost of purchasing new equipment have driven the need to increase the assessment. If voters approve the levy it will authorize yearly increases up to 6 percent (but not beyond the dollar rate) for fire and rescue operations for up to five years.

More From News Talk KIT