According to an initial count, the Grays Harbor Fire District 5 levy has 61.46 percent approval among voters. The emergency medical services 6-year regular levy needs at least 60 percent to pass.

District 5 Chief Dan Prater said while the final count is not in, he was very optimistic about the outcome of the election.

“My phone blew up,” Prater said. “It’s historic for Grays Harbor Fire District 5.”

Prater added that the fire district has had to do without necessary improvements to equipment while answering more and more EMS calls.

The levy is expected to net about $280,000 per year for the fire district.

“This helps us in our struggles to be financially stable,” Prater said. “We have had to build our relationship with the voters and the community. We’ve changed — we’re more accountable and we’re making things better.”

The EMS Levy rate is 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation and would be collected beginning in 2017. The funds raised will be used for improvements to equipment, supplies and staffing.

“We are so appreciative of everyone who voted — without them, we wouldn’t be here,” Prater said.