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Capital Improvements to Fire and Emergency Response Facilities

Strengthening Emergency Response Infrastructure

King County Fire District No. 20 is preparing a proposed bond measure for the November 2026 General Election ballot. If placed on the ballot and approved by voters, the bond would fund capital improvements to fire and emergency response facilities, support infrastructure, and emergency response apparatus

These improvements would support reliable fire and EMS response for the Skyway/West Hill community now and into the future.

The proposed bond would help modernize aging facilities, improve emergency-response support spaces, increase site security and storage capacity, support firefighter safety, and provide funding for emergency-response apparatus and related capital improvements.

About the Bond Measure

Fire and emergency response facilities need to be properly maintained, appropriately sized, secure, and equipped to support reliable emergency services.

King County Fire District No. 20’s proposed bond measure would appear on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot. If approved by voters, the bond would authorize the District to issue up to $16 million in general obligation bonds, payable over a period of up to 20 years.

Improve Emergency Response Support Facilities and Infrastructure

The bond would fund improvements on District-owned sites, including support facilities and infrastructure used for emergency response readiness.

Planned improvements may include:

Construction and equipping of a new storage and support facility
Secure storage for emergency response equipment, reserve apparatus, and operational supplies
Site improvements that support security, resilience, and operational readiness
Replacement or redevelopment of aging support infrastructure

Renovate and Modernize the Existing Fire Station

The bond would fund improvements to the District’s existing fire station to improve safety, functionality, and efficiency.

Planned improvements may include:

Interior renovations
Modernization of work and living spaces
Exterior improvements, including window upgrades
Reconfiguration of upper and lower levels
Improvements that support firefighter safety and emergency response operations

Improve Site Security, Parking, Storage, and Emergency Power

The bond would also support improvements to existing District-owned property, including:

Demolition or redevelopment of aging structures
Secured employee and emergency response parking
Additional storage
Support structures
Emergency power infrastructure
Other capital improvements that support response readiness

Acquire Firefighting and Emergency Response Apparatus

The bond would allow the District to acquire firefighting and emergency response apparatus as part of the overall capital improvement program.

Why Is the District Considering This Bond?

King County Fire District No. 20 is evaluating this bond because several facility and infrastructure needs are larger than what can reasonably be funded through the District’s regular operating budget.

The proposed bond is intended to address long-term capital needs, including:

Aging facilities that need modernization
Limited storage and emergency response support space
Site security and parking limitations
Facility improvements needed to support firefighter safety and operational efficiency
Capital infrastructure needs that support emergency response readiness
Apparatus and equipment needs that directly support fire and EMS response

These projects are intended to support emergency services for the community the District serves.

If approved, the bond is currently estimated to cost:

$0.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value

The estimated cost is based on current planning assumptions and may change depending on final bond structure, assessed values, interest rates, and market conditions.

Assessed Home Value Estimated Monthly Cost Estimated Yearly Cost

$500,000 $11.67 $140

$700,000 $16.33 $196

$800,000 $18.67 $224

Assessed Value vs. Market Value

A property’s assessed value is determined by the county assessor and may be different from a home’s market value.

Residents can look up their assessed property value through the King County Assessor’s property search tool.

Find your assessed value

Senior, Disability, and Low-Income Exemptions

Seniors, people with disabilities, and qualifying low-income households may be eligible for property tax exemptions or deferrals through King County.

Residents who already receive a qualifying exemption should check with the King County Assessor’s Office to determine how any current exemption applies.

Learn About Property Tax Exemptions

Voters’ Pamphlet Pro and Con Committees

King County Fire District No. 20 is seeking residents interested in serving on voters’ pamphlet pro and con committees for the proposed bond measure.

Each committee may include up to three members. Committee members are appointed to prepare statements in favor of or in opposition to the ballot measure for the King County voters’ pamphlet.

Interested residents should submit a brief statement of interest indicating whether they are interested in serving on the pro committee or con committee.

Submit Statements of Interest To:

King County Fire District No. 20
Attn: Fire Chief Eric Hicks
12424 76th Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98178

Email: ehicks@kcfd20.org
Phone: 206-772-1430

Deadline: August 11, 2026

Committee members must reside within the jurisdictional boundaries of King County Fire District No. 20.

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What is being proposed?

King County Fire District No. 20 is proposing a bond measure of up to $16 million, payable over up to 20 years, to fund capital improvements for fire and emergency response facilities and apparatus.

What would the bond pay for?

The bond would fund capital improvements, including emergency response support facilities, storage, site improvements, station renovation and modernization, secured parking, emergency power infrastructure, and firefighting and emergency response apparatus.

Would the bond pay for daily operations?

No. Bond proceeds would be used for capital purposes. The bond would not fund regular day-to-day operating expenses.

Why is the District considering a bond?

The District has long-term facility, storage, infrastructure, and apparatus needs that are larger than what can reasonably be funded through the regular operating budget without delaying other priorities.

How much would the bond cost?

The current estimate is approximately $0.28 per $1,000 of assessed value. For a home assessed at $700,000, that equals about $196 per year, or $16.33 per month.

When would voters decide?

The proposed measure is planned for the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot.

What voter approval is required?

As a voted bond measure, approval requires at least 60% voter approval and must also meet legal validation requirements.

About Us

Board Agendas & Minutes Board of Commissioners Budget & Finance Chief Hicks Message Documents and Reports

Capital Improvements to Fire and Emergency Response Facilities

Strengthening Emergency Response Infrastructure

Board Agendas & Minutes
Board of Commissioners
Budget & Finance
Chief Hicks Message
Documents and Reports