MARYSVILLE – A Regional Fire Authority is looking more likely.

A committee that has been researching an RFA for about a year is recommending that the city and Snohomish County Fire District 12 form such a partnership.

Because population growth and changing demands are impacting service, the city and fire district appointed the committee to explore whether an RFA could help meet increasing demands, enhance operational efficiencies and provide sustainable funding.

The RFA Planning Committee’s unanimous recommendation now goes before the fire commissioners and the City Council to decide whether to forward the proposal for an April ballot measure.

Voters have the final say on forming and funding an RFA, a special purpose district and independent taxing authority that provides funding for fire and emergency medical services.

Currently the Marysville Fire District provides fire and EMS in the city and District 12, which includes Seven Lakes, Lakewood and portions of the Tulalip Reservation and unincorporated Snohomish County. The service area would not change under the RFA proposal. The Marysville Fire District was formed by an agreement between the city and District 12.

Fire Chief Martin McFalls said: “I know an RFA would be a game-changer for generations to come. For a humble kid who grew up in Marysville, I feel proud to be a part of this proposal.”

Mayor Jon Nehring also is a fan of the plan.

“We’ve been on this journey for the last several years,” he said. “It took a lot of hard work and tenacity, and it’s exciting to have reached a solid plan.”

There are 12 RFAs statewide, almost all in sestern Washington.

For more, go to www.marysvillewa.gov/783/Regional-Fire-Authority.