Spokane voters will consider EMS tax in April

Voters will consider renewing a long-running emergency medical services levy in April, after the Spokane City Council unanimously approved putting it on the ballot Monday night.

The levy generates about $8 million annually for the fire department, which has an annual overall budget of nearly $50 million.

The levy was first approved in 1980 and it has been renewed every six years since, but it’s set to expire at the end of the year. The levy’s funds go toward advanced life support services performed by paramedics, operational costs, medical supplies, equipment and administrative oversight.