Residents in West Richland and surrounding unincorporated areas of Benton County may soon be asked to approve a property tax increase as Benton County Fire District 4 (BCFD4) looks for ways to manage a sharp rise in emergency calls and operational expenses.
The district’s board of commissioners has recently begun discussions about pursuing a levy lid lift, a measure that would allow the district to increase property tax collections beyond the state’s 1% annual growth limit for up to six years. Officials say the move is necessary to sustain service levels amid growing demand.
Fire district leaders are urging community members to attend a public meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. on April 2 at Station 420, located at 2604 Bombing Range Road in West Richland. The meeting aims to provide residents with detailed information and an opportunity to share their views.
Fire Chief Paul Carlyle emphasized that the discussions are centered on maintaining reliable emergency services. He noted that the district’s primary goal is to ensure response times remain consistent while continuing to deliver the level of service the community expects.
Rising Demand and Costs
BCFD4 currently operates three fire stations covering approximately 52 square miles, including West Richland and areas extending north to the Yakima River. Over the past 15 years, the district has experienced a dramatic increase in service demand.
In 2025 alone, firefighters responded to 2,350 emergency calls, marking a 160% increase compared to previous years. This surge reflects population growth and increased service needs across the region.
At the same time, the cost of maintaining essential equipment and operations has risen significantly. In just the past year:
- Emergency equipment parts and maintenance costs increased by 220%
- Firefighter protective gear costs rose by 129%
- Cybersecurity upgrades saw a 251% increase
Officials say these rising expenses are putting pressure on the district’s current budget, which relies heavily on property tax revenue.
Community Decision Ahead
If pursued, the levy lid lift proposal would ultimately go before voters, giving residents the final say on whether to approve the tax increase. Fire district officials stress that community input will play a key role in shaping the proposal.
The upcoming public meeting is expected to be a crucial step in informing residents about the financial challenges and the potential impact of the levy. As emergency demands continue to grow, the district is seeking a sustainable path forward to ensure public safety services remain reliable and effective.