Council sends Medic One/Emergency Medical Services levy to ballot for renewal

July 1, 2025

The King County Council on Tuesday unanimously approved placing a six-year levy proposal on the November ballot. This levy would secure continued funding for the county's Medic One/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program through 2031.

“King County’s EMS system is one of the best in the world and has saved countless lives,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn, the prime sponsor of the legislation. “This proposal ensures that our life-saving services remain funded and accessible while decreasing the tax burden on our residents. It’s a win for the community, the EMS, and our taxpayers.”

The Medic One/EMS system serving King County is primarily funded with a countywide, voter-approved EMS levy. The current levy expires at the end of 2025. The proposal, which now goes to voters on the November ballot, is expected to generate up to $1.4 billion over the next six years. It would also set the maximum levy rate at $0.250 per $1,000 assessed value (AV).

“King County leads the world with our Medic One program,” said Councilmember Rod Dembowski, who cosponsored the legislation at Council. “I’m proud to cosponsor this legislation to make sure we continue our leading role in emergency medical response. I thank our first responders for their dedication, professionalism, and service to our county, and am honored to support legislation that ensures we deliver the resources they need to continue saving lives.” 

King County’s Medic One/EMS system provides regional response, which is part of a tiered system of care.

Providing life-saving services on average every two minutes, “cardiac arrest victims in King County are two to three times more likely to survive compared to other communities across the nation,” Dunn added.

Additional quotes:

King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay: “When you or a loved one calls 9-1-1 in a medical emergency, you expect and deserve immediate, expert care. The Medic One/EMS system delivers exactly that, saving lives every day across King County. This levy isn’t just about funding ambulances; it’s about ensuring that no matter where you are or what time it is, help is on the way. I believe it’s vital that voters have the opportunity to renew their support for this world-class emergency response system.”

King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci “King County Medic One is a leading example of regional collaboration for the greater good. Through a coordinated network of four dispatch centers, five paramedic providers, and 23 fire departments, along with vital partnerships with hospital emergency departments, private ambulance companies, and other organizations, the EMS levy-funded resources enable the top-notch emergency response and care our county residents need and deserve. I am proud to vote to put this measure on the ballot for voter consideration in November."

King County Councilmember De’Sean Quinn: “This levy is a great investment in public health for all of King County, especially at a time when our residents' access to healthcare is being challenged at the federal level. It ensures that highly trained paramedics and EMTs can continue to provide fast, reliable, and quality emergency medical care when people need it the most and maintaining a trusted system that is there for every resident, every time.”

The November election will be held on Tuesday, November 4. To learn more about King County’s EMS system, visit kingcounty.gov/ems.