More than half of the firefighters of the West Thurston Regional Fire Authority could lose their jobs and three of the five department stations could be closed if voters fail to approve a levy in November, according to Fire Chief Rob Smith.
In August, a levy to continue funding for the agency failed to receive the required super-majority.
Smith told KING 5 that the department is struggling to keep up with a growing population.
Calls for service have increased 40 percent in the last eight years.
The agency has decided to give voters another chance to raise revenue in November.
"We need that in order to be able to maintain effective service to our citizens," Smith said.
Without the increase, Smith said cuts will be inevitable, potentially doubling the time it takes for his reduced staff to respond to 9-1-1 calls.
