Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Thurston County Emergency Services for Emergency Management Services
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution authorizing an Agreement with Thurston County Emergency Services for emergency management services.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution authorizing an Agreement with Thurston County Emergency Services for emergency management services.
Staff Contact:
Hillory Flowers, Interim Fire Chief, 360.709.2721
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
The Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Olympia and Thurston County Emergency Services provides for the delivery of emergency management services within the City of Olympia.
Historically, these responsibilities were carried out by the Deputy Chief of Community Risk Reduction. Following a recent retirement in that role, the city evaluated options to ensure continuity of service and identified an opportunity to collaborate with county partners.
By utilizing the services of Thurston County Emergency Services, the city is able to maintain critical emergency management functions while advancing regional coordination and operational efficiencies. This partnership supports a consistent, professional level of service delivery and aligns with best practices for integrated, multi-jurisdictional emergency preparedness and response.
Overall, the Agreement ensures continuity of essential services for Olympia residents while strengthening coordination across jurisdictions.
Climate Analysis:
The impacts of this Agreement have been applied through the climate lens of the Climate Framework. Providing community fire protection and emergency response resources helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced when safe and effective emergency response minimizes the loss of life and property. This Agreement indirectly supports the objectives of the Climate Framework.
Equity Analysis:
The impacts of this Agreement have been applied through the equity lens of the Equity Framework. Providing fire protection and emergency response resources to the community meets this initiative’s intent by supporting life safety and property conservation for all groups and reducing loss of life and property. Universal protection of life and property is rooted in justness and inherently supports the Equity Framework’s intent.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
This Agreement between the City of Olympia and Thurston County Emergency Services ensures the continued delivery of emergency management services that support Olympia residents and neighborhoods. This partnership enhances coordination in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, improving the City’s ability to manage incidents that extend beyond jurisdictional boundaries. Residents benefit from consistent access to preparedness resources, timely communication, and coordinated emergency response. Overall, the Agreement promotes efficient use of public resources while maintaining a high level of service and strengthening community safety and resilience.
Financial Impact:
The Agreement details payments to Thurston County from the City of Olympia in the amount of $80,000.00 per year for emergency services for the term of 2026 - 2030.
Options:
1. Move to approve a Resolution authorizing an Agreement with Thurston County emergency Services for emergency management services.
2. Approve the Resolution authorizing the Intergovernmental Agreement at another time.
3. Do not approve the Resolution authorizing the Intergovernmental Agreement and send back to staff.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement