Bremerton Fire Department levy increase to be on primary ballot

Published 1:30 am Thursday, April 2, 2026

At the request of the Bremerton Fire Department, the Bremerton City Council approved April 1 to place a property tax levy increase for additional public safety services and infrastructure improvements on the Aug. 4 primary ballot, which could add up to $3 million each year for the department.

In a 6-1 vote, the council approved putting the levy on the primary ballot. Council president Jane Rebelowski was the lone no vote.

The fire department is asking for a property tax increase of $.48 per $1,000 of assessed valuation to the current levy, which would bring the total rate to $1.95 per $1,000 for city residents. If approved, the levy would fund nine new employees, three new vehicles, a fire apparatus, training, equipment, and a remodel of one of their stations. Collection would begin in April 2027.

“Right now, we are put in a position to save a life or break state law,” shared Bremerton fire chief Pat McGanney at the meeting. State law requires no less than three personnel to be present for a rescue, and there needs to be two firefighters on standby outside at a call. McGanney shared that BFD’s Engine 2 and 3 only have two total firefighters currently, so it is both a safety and legal issue.

“Nine additional firefighters allows additional personnel on each engine, allows BFD to move toward (National Fire Protection Association) best practices, enables compliance with (Washington Administrative Code) safety requirements, and improves response effectiveness and safety,” said McGanney.

If approved by voters, BFD would also use the tax increase for two new engines and one new ladder truck, as two fire engines now used as reserve vehicles are near the end of their use. “A reliable apparatus means a reliable response,” the chief said. “Our engines are aging, and it causes increasing maintenance, downtime, and cost.”

BFD is also looking to remodel Station 1 on Park Avenue with the potential levy increase. The station was built in 2005, with no extra rooms to accommodate new staff. McGanney shared that the building no longer meets modern needs, and that a remodel would address these space limitations and staffing needs. “It all circles back to response time, efficiency, and retention,” he said.

The levy increase would also allow BFD to put money aside into an equipment fund for a fire apparatus and future needs, something they currently do not have.

“I understand it’s a large ask, but we have a large need,” McGanney said Feb. 25. “This resolution is intended to strengthen and enhance public safety, as right now, our resources are being spread thinner each year.”