OTHELLO, Wash. – The Board of Fire Commissioners for Adams County Fire District 5 (ACFD#5) will meet on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 7 p.m. at 220 S. Broadway in Othello. They will discuss a proposed temporary fire levy increase for the November election ballot.
ACFD#5 serves about 7,600 residents over 215 square miles, including Othello, which has 7,000 people. Emergency calls have increased by 25% overall and 43% in the city over four years. Costs for staff, equipment, and supplies have also risen.
“Our service area will shrink, but fixed costs like vehicles, safety gear, insurance, dispatch, and fuel are going up,” said Fire Chief Tom Salsbury. “Fewer people will be sharing those costs.”
To address these challenges, ACFD#5 is considering a levy increase of $0.27 per $1,000 of assessed property value. For a home valued at $222,000, this would mean an additional $60 annually.
The district is deferring apparatus replacements and canceling station renovations, yet these measures might not be enough to bridge the funding gap when the current contract with Othello expires in May 2026.
The board is also considering the long-term option of the City of Othello pursuing annexation into the fire district to equalize costs for all property owners served by ACFD#5.
Community members are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more and provide input. For more details, visit ACFD#5’s website, or contact them at 509-488-2951 or secretary@acfd5.com.
