Voters back taxes for Newman Lake Fire, Spokane County Fire District 8 and Orchard Prairie schools

Voters approved three tax measures for the Newman Lake Fire and Rescue, Spokane County Fire Protection District 8 and the Orchard Prairie School District in Tuesday’s special election.

More than 81 percent of voters approved a replacement levy for Newman Lake Fire and Rescue.

The ballot measure replaces an emergency medical services levy that’s expiring at the end of 2019. The levy tax rate of 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed home value funds operation of emergency medical vehicles, facilities and supplies. It would also maintain the fire district’s level of service for six years.

Spokane County Fire District 8, which covers parts of the South Hill, south Spokane Valley and Valleyford, received 80 percent of voter approval for a replacement levy that covers staffing of firefighters and paramedics and provides additional training in advanced lifesaving techniques.

The replacement levy, at 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed home value, would generate more than $7 million over four years, beginning in 2020.

Orchard Prairie School District’s replacement levy passed with 71 percent of voter support, which will be used to finance education programs and operational expenses not funded by the state. The levy would collect $125,000 annually for two years beginning in 2020.