Options Explored as Voters Reject Clarkston, WA, EMS Levy

Nov. 5—ASOTIN — Voters overwhelmingly rejected the Clarkston emergency medical services levy for the first time in the history of the excess tax proposal.

As of Tuesday night, the "no" votes were at 646, or 58%, compared to 476 "yes" votes, or 42%. The annual levy funds the city's ambulance service, which could be in jeopardy in 2026.

A levy lid lift for the Asotin County Library also failed with 2,828 or 56% "no" votes and 2,199 or 44% "yes" votes. Both measures called for an increase in property taxes.

On the flip side, two sales tax increases passed, including a countywide emergency communications proposal and a renewal of funding for Clarkston's Transportation Benefit District.

In the lone city council race, incumbent Sarah Reaves defeated challenger Jesse Shroyer.

The EMS levy drew the most attention leading up to the election. Increasing property taxes from $1.50 per $1,000 of valuation to $2.65 per $1,000 was a significant change from past levies that proved to be unpopular.

Fire Chief Darren White was at the courthouse when the ballots were tallied. He said city officials and the Clarkston Fire Department will immediately begin reviewing operational and financial options, including adjusting staffing, exploring potential service contracts with neighboring agencies, and assessing whether a revised levy or different funding approach should be brought forward in the future.

"The city of Clarkston would like to thank residents who participated in this year's election and took the time to vote on the EMS levy," White said. "Although the measure did not pass, we deeply appreciate the community's engagement and support throughout the process."

With the levy's failure, the city now faces difficult decisions about how to sustain EMS services, the chief said.

"We respect the will of the voters and at the same time, we want our community to understand the implications. Without this funding, we need to evaluate what level of service can realistically be maintained and what alternative models may be available."

Bobby Marsh, president of the professional firefighters union, said city officials have indicated six firefighter positions will be eliminated, and the ambulance service will be discontinued.

"This is a devastating loss for public safety and for the residents who rely on timely, professional emergency care," Marsh said. "Our members remain committed to serving the community with the same dedication and compassion that Clarkston has always known from its firefighters and paramedics."

However, Marsh said there is no denying that these cuts will have a real and lasting impact on emergency response times and the level of service residents can expect.

"We urge the city of Clarkston to continue to operate the department with the use of reserve funds to ensure there is no lapse in service for those that may need it."

A countywide measure to increase the sales tax by 1/10th of 1% to fund emergency communication upgrades was approved by 3,029 or 60% of voters, compared to 2,020 or 40% "no" votes.

Emergency manager Nick Bacon let out a sigh of relief when the results were announced.

"I'm very thankful to the voters and relieved that we can start building a communications plan with dedicated, local funds," Bacon said.

After the council race was determined, Shroyer congratulated Reaves on her victory. Reaves, a grant writer for TriState Health, received 630 votes, compared to 369 for her opponent.

"I feel humbled and grateful, and I'm looking forward to the next two years and the progress we'll make," Reaves said. "I'm going to focus on the economic development of our downtown, and I've already got a couple of projects going."

In a contest for cemetery commissioner, Jason Malcom-Harwick received 2,785 votes, and Todd Snarr got 1,530 votes. Malcolm-Harwick will serve a six-year term overseeing the county's cemetery district.

Auditor Darla McKay said 5,098 ballots have been counted and approximately 650 could arrive in the mail today. Turnout is at 34%, but that number is expected to increase.

The next count will be conducted Thursday, and votes will be updated online.

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