Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue bond passes

CHELAN COUNTY — Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue voters approved a $15 million bond to fund upgrades to existing stations and construct new facilities.

The measure appeared on the Aug. 5 election and required a 60 percent supermajority to pass. Early results showed approval hovering just above that threshold, with 27 ballots still uncounted. Final results, posted Aug. 19, confirmed passage with 60.45 percent in favor, or 512 yes votes to 335 no votes.

The bond will finance the construction of a new 13,300 square-foot central station and a 6,200 square-foot Training/Emergency Operations Center (EOC). According to LWFR, the new construction will ease storage issues at other stations, provide living quarters for 24-hour staffing, have a larger training and multi-purpose space, and create capacity for wildfire management teams when needed. 

The measure received a mix of support and criticism leading up to the election. Supporters saw it as essential for public safety, with the estimated $25 monthly cost on a $500,000 home a small price to pay. Critics challenged the cost and necessity of the new station and EOC building, while also questioning the fire district's lack of communication leading up to the ballot.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media