BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Whatcom Fire District 4 needs more money to maintain current levels of service and commissioners have decided to put a levy lid lift before voters.

The increased revenue would allow the Britton Loop station to maintain 24 hour staffing and provide funding for District 4 to renew its contract with North Whatcom Fire.

The district says response times would drastically increase without the needed funds.

The levy increase would cost the owner of a $550,000 property an additional $198 per year.

The lid lift will be on the August 1st primary ballot.