MARYSVILLE – The City Council will discuss the possibility of forming a regional fire authority at its meeting at 7 tonight, Sept. 22, at City Hall.
A study prepared on the current fire district says city leaders are concerned with labor relations, governance, finances and communications of the current system.
Other concerns include: cost containment, strategic planning, asset ownership and transparency.
The 2014 budget is $16.2 million, compared with $14.5 million in revenues. The $1.6 million gap will be covered by the district’s fund balance, which was $14.7 million.
The study says a regional fire authority would be a modern evolution of consolidating fire and emergency medical services.
To move the concept along, the study says the city should set up a vote to occur in early 2015 so it could be in effect by Jan. 1, 2016.
While other jurisdictions could join later, the study says it would be best to keep the planning process focused on the unique issues involving the city and District 12.
Among the advantages of the new authority:
•Provides a governing board that can be more representative of the population served.
•Has its own funding source that would not impact other city services.
•Has a property tax levy limitation for cost containment.
•Allows residents to vote on property tax levies.
•A regional fire authority is a more permanent organization compared with the current agreement.
The Marysville Fire Department was formed through an agreement in 1992 with the city and Snohomish County Fire District 12. They wanted to reduce duplication and expand service. Fire District 20 joined years later. The district protects 55-square miles, including the city, Seven Lakes, Quil Ceda Village, and the east side of the Tulalip Indian Reservation and unincorporated county. The district serves 77,000 people.
The district has 85 full-time and 45 part-time personnel. There are five fire stations. The district responds to about 10,000 calls annually, about 86 percent of which are EMS related.
The study looks at three alternatives: start its own department, annex into District 12 or create the fire authority. It lists pros and cons of each one.
If the council decides against an authority, the study makes recommendations on how to improve the current agreement on fire and EMS services.
