What happens if annexation is not approved?

By law, South County Fire must charge the city the same rate as fire authority property owners pay and cannot renew the city’s contract without a significant cost increase. To fund the contract, the city would need to consider increasing revenue through its property tax levy, EMS levy or other non-voted tax increases such as utility taxes, fees and special assessments. The City may also need to consider making cuts to services, such as police, parks and recreation, planning and transportation. 

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1. What’s the issue for Mountlake Terrace property owners?
2. How do we currently receive emergency services?
3. What has the city done in response?
4. What does annexation to South County Fire mean?
5. Why did the City pick South County Fire?
6. What happens to the Mountlake Terrace fire station?
7. How will this impact service when I call 911?
8. Will firefighters lose their jobs?
9. Where is South County Fire located?
10. When is the election?
11. What happens if annexation is not approved?
12. What does the City currently pay for fire/EMS?
13. How will the City help reduce impacts to property owners?
14. What will I pay if annexation is approved?
15. How does SCF fund emergency services?
16. What is a fire benefit charge?
17. Why have other communities supported a fire benefit charge?
18. What communities/fire service providers in our area have a fire benefit charge?