Council questions fire commissioners; tables decisions on red light cameras, critical aquifer recharge areas – My Edmonds News

Introduction

While the Edmonds City Council has yet to make a decision on whether to seek voter approval to annex Edmonds into the South Snohomish Fire and Rescue Regional Authority (RFA), Edmonds councilmembers had burning questions and concerns for South County Fire Commissioners when they came to council chambers Tuesday night for an annual joint meeting between the two entities.

Key Questions and Concerns

• Are fire commissioners committed to controlling costs?
• How does the commission plan to address an increased demand for fire and emergency medical services (EMS) given projected population growth?
• What type of representation would Edmonds have on the South County Fire Board of Commissioners if voters approved annexation?

Background

Edmonds has been contracting with South County Fire for fire and EMS services since 2010. In December 2023, the fire authority put Edmonds on notice that the agency intends to terminate the current interlocal agreement for those services effective Dec. 31, 2025. The 20-year contract was executed in 2010.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The discussions between the Edmonds City Council and South County Fire Commissioners align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations:

1. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
2. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
3. Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Transition to the RFA

Partially to address rising costs, South County Fire in 2017 reorganized into the RFA. As a fire authority, the agency can be funded directly through property taxes rather than receive payment from the individual jurisdictions that contract for fire and EMS services. In essence, this means that property owners would fund the RFA directly, rather than pay taxes to the city, which would use these funds to pay for emergency and fire services from the RFA. To move from an individual contract to being part of the RFA, voters in each jurisdiction need to approve this change. So far, the cities of Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Brier and Mountlake Terrace have voted to join the RFA.

Feasibility Assessment Report

Last week, the council heard a fire services feasibility assessment report from Fitch and Associates, which the council hired to analyze the costs of various options for fire and emergency medical services, including joining the RFA, bringing back the city’s own fire department and contracting with Shoreline Fire.

Financial Concerns

Deciding how to best provide residents with essential services is an important one, since the city is facing some long-term budget challenges. Those financial concerns were reflected in some of the council comments Tuesday night.

Cost Containment Efforts

Councilmember Neil Tibbott expressed interest in hearing from commissioners about their cost containment efforts. Commission Board Chair Jim Kenny noted the challenge of balancing competitive wages for firefighters while also controlling costs.

Increased Costs and Subsidization

Councilmember Will Chen questioned the significant increase in costs for fire services if Edmonds were to annex into South County Fire. Commissioner Board Chair Jim Kenny explained that the current difference in costs is due to subsidization and emphasized the need for a change in the current arrangement.

Accommodating Projected Growth

Councilmember Michelle Dotsch inquired about the fire authority’s plans to accommodate projected growth in their service area. Acting Fire Chief Shaughn Maxwell explained the strategic planning process and the possibility of future stations to address higher call volumes.

Representation on the Fire Commission Board

Councilmember Jenna Nand asked about Edmonds’ representation on the fire commission board if annexation were to occur. Commissioner Board Chair Jim Kenny explained the process of redistricting and the establishment of commissioner positions for each district, ensuring representation for Edmonds.

Recognition of Service and Concerns

All councilmembers expressed their gratitude for the service provided by South County Fire and acknowledged the concerns raised regarding increased fire and EMS costs.

Other Business

In addition to the discussions on annexation and fire services, the council tabled action on two other key issues:

• The installation of red light cameras at various intersections
• A city code amendment regarding critical aquifer recharge areas (CARAs)

Conclusion

The joint meeting between the Edmonds City Council and South County Fire Commissioners highlighted the importance of addressing fire and emergency medical services in a sustainable manner. The discussions revolved around cost containment, projected growth, representation, and the need for change. By considering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the council aims to ensure sustainable cities and communities, good health

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons.
   • Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age and persons with disabilities.

2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
   • Indicator 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services (defined as the average coverage of essential services based on tracer interventions that include reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases and service capacity and access, among the general and the most disadvantaged population).

3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
   • Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: myedmondsnews.com

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