South County Fire is asking south Snohomish County voters to sign off on a roughly $420 million bond that would overhaul how and where firefighters respond to emergencies, replacing aging stations, renovating others and adding new facilities across the district. The proposal would replace six stations, renovate four with seismic and operational upgrades, and construct four additional stations to keep pace with rising call volumes and local growth. A public hearing is set for 7 p.m. on May 5 at the agency’s Everett headquarters so residents can weigh in before the plan is finalized.
For more information and details on how to participate in the hearing, visit https://t.co/tIIdTsKWT5.
— South County Fire (@SouthSnoFire) April 23, 2026
Public Hearing And District Operations
The South County Fire Board of Commissioners plans to take public testimony starting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, at South County Fire headquarters, 12425 Meridian Avenue South in Everett, according to the agency. District materials note it operates 15 neighborhood fire stations, employs more than 350 uniformed firefighters and that crews respond to more than 100 calls for service on an average day. For the official notice and participation instructions, see the department’s post on X.
What The Bond Would Pay For
Draft planning documents and local coverage say the bond would replace six older stations, renovate four with seismic and other upgrades, and build four new stations to meet growing service demands in Brier, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mill Creek and Mountlake Terrace. Earlier district estimates put the package somewhere between $400 million and $450 million, with public facing materials now pointing to an approximate $420 million figure during the current scoping phase. Local reporting and district summaries describe upgraded apparatus bays, modernized crew quarters and seismic improvements as key priorities for the project, according to My Edmonds News.
Why Leaders Say It Is Needed
District leaders and the board argue that deferred maintenance, seismic vulnerability and steadily rising call volumes make a major investment unavoidable rather than optional. “Our community must have fire stations that allow firefighters to respond to your needs quickly and safely,” Board Chair Jim Kenny said in the district’s announcement, adding that “the longer we wait, the higher the price.” Officials say the package is intended to improve response times, bolster firefighter safety and extend the life of essential facilities as the service area continues to grow.
How To Weigh In And What Comes Next
Residents can submit comments by email to [email protected] or by voicemail at 425-551-1251. Written comments meant for inclusion in the board packet should arrive by 7 p.m. on May 4, the district says. The board voted in December to move ahead with planning for a capital facilities bond on the November 2026 general election ballot, and the May hearing is expected to help refine the final scope and cost before any formal ballot action. For full details on the hearing and the proposal, see the department’s post on X.
