LYNDEN, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A potential levy lid lift could be headed for the August primary in some parts of Whatcom County.

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue says the lift is necessary because the current limit isn’t enough to keep up with the pace of emergency calls.

Right now, the levy is $0.76 per $1000 of assessed property value.

The lid lift would boost that by 34 cents, totaling $1.10 per $1000 of assessed property value.

North Whatcom Fire Chief Jason Van Der Veen says EMS response times are much longer for residents in Lynden, Custer, Birch Bay, and Blaine.

In some cases, medical transportation for North Whatcom residents to Peacehealth in Bellingham is delayed by up to two hours because of a combination lack of staffing and funding.

Calls for medical services account for more than 70% of calls received by the district.

If approved, the levy would allow the district to hire up to eight more emergency staff members.

A resolution to discuss the levy lid lift is planned for March 6 at 7pm at Station 61, located at 9408 Odell Rd in Blaine.

Residents are encouraged to attend and provide feedback on the proposal.