Washington County voters are scheduled to decide Nov. 3, 2026, whether to approve Washington City’s Proposition 5, a sales tax intended to support fire protection, ambulance service and other emergency services. The proposal would also reduce the Washington City portion of property taxes by 50%; it would not halve a homeowner’s entire property tax bill, according to FOX 13’s report.
How the measure is structured
FOX 13 reported that Proposition 5 would impose a 0.67% sales tax, excluding fuel, medication and groceries. Washington City has already approved a separate 0.33% measure, bringing the combined rate to 1% if Proposition 5 passes. The proposed property tax cut would apply only to the city’s share of a bill, not the full bill; Council member Kurt Ivie told the station it would save homeowners a few hundred dollars a year.
Funding needs and concerns
Washington City resident Kim Barry told FOX 13 she opposed further tax increases but said revenue should go to needed services. Ivie told the station the exemptions would limit the tax’s effect on local residents and that visitors would contribute to emergency services. Fire Chief Dan Cazier of Santa Clara Ivins Fire and Rescue said the proposed funding could support additional firefighters as the two cities grow and activity increases, according to FOX 13.
Washington City fire department staffing
Washington City Fire Department says it has 24 full-time firefighters, 28 part-time firefighters and four administrative staff, according to the department.
The funding debate comes amid broader pressure on public-safety budgets. KSL reported that local police and fire chiefs have cited rising health-insurance costs and salaries as factors increasing the money needed for those services.
A comparison from Grand County
Grand County offers one example of a sales tax used for emergency and health services. The Moab Times reported that about two-thirds of voters approved Proposition 13 last November, doubling the rural health-care sales tax from 0.5% to 1%. The report said the added revenue has helped Grand County EMS staff a third ambulance more consistently as overlapping calls become more common.
Election date
Washington County’s election notice sets the 2026 regular general election for Tuesday, Nov. 3.
