Pendleton Fire & Ambulance asks city council to put a fire levy on the ballot
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The Pendleton City Council will begin the discussion about a possible operational levy for Pendleton Fire & Ambulance. Chief Tony Pierotti presented the need for a levy at a council work session last week. It is listed as new business on the agenda for the meeting today at 7 p.m.
The staff report concerning the levy points out the fire department has seen its call load grow by 64 percent since 2018 while there has been no increase in available services and only a 14 percent increase in personnel. The levy would be for $1.29 per $1,000 assessed value. It is estimated it would bring in $1.62 million per year for five years.
“Funds would support hiring six firefighter/paramedics to improve response times and emergency coverage; one EVT-certified mechanic to perform preventive maintenance and repairs on engines, ambulances, and apparatus preventing breakdowns that delay life-saving responses and ensuring fleet reliability; one fire prevention inspector to conduct proactive inspections of businesses and high-risk properties; and one data analyst/grant writer to analyze call data and operational efficiencies,” the presentation to the city council states.
It further states that without approval public safety will be compromised.
