Commissioners of South Whidbey Fire/EMS plan to host three meetings this month to discuss the possible levy increase.

Fire Chief Rusty Palmer recommended the commissioners seek a 15-cent increase in the November election. The commissioners have yet to approve the measure, and have had three public hearings on the tax bump thus far.

Currently, the South Whidbey Fire/EMS levy is at 61 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. Under the possible levy increase to 76 cents, a $200,000 property would pay $152 annually.

Palmer and the fire commissioners have verbally supported the measure without voting on it so far. They said the levy is necessary to keep fire protection and emergency medical services at their current capabilities.

The meetings in May are at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 10 at the Freeland Station; 7 p.m. Thursday, May 24 at the Bayview Community Hall; and at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 30 at the Clinton Community Hall. The public is invited to attend and comment on the levy proposal, and any unable to attend one of the meetings may send written comments to the Freeland Station located at 5535 Cameron Road, Freeland, WA, or email Palmer at chief@icfd3.org.