Title
Public Hearing to Consider Formation of a Regional Fire Protection Authority and Approval of a Plan for Its Governance, Operation, and Financing, Including a Fire Benefit Charge
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Regional Fire Authority Planning Committee recommends the formation of a Regional Fire Authority and approval of a Plan for its governance, operations and financing to the Olympia City Council and the Tumwater City Council.
City Manager Recommendation:
Conduct a public hearing to accept testimony on the formation of a regional fire protection authority and approval of a Plan for its governance, operation, and financing, including a fire benefit charge.
Report
Issue:
Whether to conduct a public hearing on the formation of a regional fire protection authority and approval of a Plan for its governance, operation, and financing, including a fire benefit charge.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, City Manager, 360.753.8447
Presenter(s):
Jay Burney, City Manager
Todd Carson, Interim Fire Chief
Background and Analysis:
In 2019, the City of Olympia ("Olympia") participated with the City of Tumwater ("Tumwater") and other local fire agencies in a study to evaluate options for a Regional Fire Authority ("RFA"). Findings from the study recommended further exploration of an RFA, as Olympia and Tumwater share similar risk profiles, histories, and organizational structures and there may be a potential to control costs, improve service delivery, level tax rates across the region, provide greater equity, and leverage individual agency strengths and minimize weaknesses through the formation of an RFA.
On May 19, 2021, Olympia and Tumwater (the "Cities") entered into an interlocal agreement to study whether to form an RFA. Subsequently, the Cities formed the Regional Fire Authority Planning Committee ("Planning Committee") to review the creation of an RFA and associated service delivery and financing plan to provide fire protection and emergency...
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