Over the course of two public meetings last week, Vashon’s fire commissioners determined the levy rate islanders will vote on in November: $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value, a 57-cent increase over the current tax rate.

It is a big ask.

And commissioners are dealing with a big problem: Without increasing revenue next year, the district is on a trajectory to run out of money. In recent months, as Chief Charlie Krimmert has examined the health of the district and shared his findings, it has become evident that our 911 service, as we know it, is in jeopardy. Career firefighters have spoken out, concerned for their own safety and the safety of the community, saying they do not always have enough people available to legally enter a burning home to put out the fire — or save someone trapped inside.

And they say that sometimes only enough staff are on duty to respond to one medical emergency at a time — even though simultaneous calls occur frequently on the island.

It is an unenviable position we are all now in: Increase funding to the district and inflate our already rising taxes, or suffer what could truly be life-or-death consequences.

And yet, in recent months few islanders have joined this conversation. Public attendance has been low at regular board meetings and the three special meetings regarding the levy. We hope islanders will pay increased attention going forward.

For some, who believe that denying more funding to the district is truly akin to playing with fire, a “yes” vote may be automatic. For others, a quick “no” to a large tax increase will be their clear choice. But, there is likely a sizeable number of people who will be torn about what to do in this situation — a financial crisis that never should have occurred. We hope those people will step up and learn about the issues at hand: Attend fire board meetings, read campaign materials and The Beachcomber, and talk to members of the department or the able volunteers who will run the campaign. We also recommend conversations outside of the fire department circle, particularly with those who struggle financially on this increasingly expensive island — and the social service providers who try to meet some of their important and basic needs.

The stakes are high for all of us in this election. Let’s make sure we all make the best decisions — fully informed by facts — that we possibly can.