A meeting to tell volunteer firefighters about future funding plans being considered by Island County Fire District 3 will be held tonight at South Whidbey High School.

Fire District 3 wants to build a new headquarters and training facility in Bayview, and is expected to ask taxpayers for $4 million, although no date has been set.

Chief Dan Stout said today that district officials are considering a levy-lid increase next year to fund the Bayview project and make needed improvements to existing facilities.

He said asking voters to approve a 25-cent increase in the property tax lid to 76 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation is being considered. The current rate is 51 cents per $1,000.

The district serves about 16,000 residents. It has between 70 and 85 volunteers, who receive only stipends for responses and training, Stout said.

The meeting will be 7:30 p.m. in the school auditorium, 5675 Maxwelton Road, Langley.