The proposed annexation of the city of Port Townsend into Jefferson County Fire Protection District No. 1 was approved by voters Feb. 12.

Proposition 1 received 2,028 votes in favor, 69.26 percent, to 900 votes against, 30.74 percent.

Emily Stewart, administrative assistant for East Jefferson Fire Rescue, conveyed the agency’s appreciation.

“We are pleased that voters recognized that the current interlocal agreement (with the city) was not a permanent solution,” Stewart said. “Through voter support and annexation approval, we have now completed the final step in a 12-year process to improve efficiencies and become a combined entity.”

Now that annexation has been approved, Stewart said a series of “deliverables and milestones” must be achieved.

Stewart said the next step is tentatively planned for this August, when a ballot measure will be brought to voters to expand the current three-member board of fire commissioners to five.

“The objective of this expansion is to ensure that city residents newly introduced to the district will have commensurate voting representation,” Stewart said. “Future financial equity will be achieved with annexation by bringing city residents into the district. Going forward, the combined district levy rate will reflect the level of service voted on by all residents.”

Stewart anticipates the district’s efforts will focus on improving fire and life safety initiatives throughout its service area.

“Specifically, funds will be utilized to enhance fire code management services, consisting of plan review, code enforcement and fire investigation services, with the goal of reducing community life, property and other losses due to fire,” Stewart said.