How We’re Funded

Benton County Fire District 4 is accountable and transparent to its taxpayers.

Daily emergency operations are funded by a fire levy ($1.50/$1,000) and an EMS levy ($0.50/$1,000) paid through property taxes. Over time, levy rates fall as property values rise to limit the Fire District to roughly the same amount of revenue per year plus a 1% increase and any other funding approved by voters. Occasionally, we ask our community for a “lid lift” to return a levy to an amount previously approved by voters. Lid lifts help us keep up with higher call volumes and increasing costs for service. For example, voters returned the EMS levy to $0.50/$1,000 in 2022. This funding will hire three additional emergency personnel and add another medical unit for our community.

The fire district operates under a balanced budget, maintains adequate reserve funds, and has passed all independent audits by the state. Our fire commissioners are elected by the community, and all board meetings are open to the public. We have an active volunteer program, seek grants, and partner with neighboring agencies to stretch your tax dollars further. These strong financial practices earned our fire district one of the highest bond ratings possible by Standard and Poor’s.

We want you to know how we are funded.