Title
Approval of Regional Fire Authority Planning Committee Appointments
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to appoint Councilmembers Jim Cooper, Lisa Parshley and Y?n Hu?nh; Fire Chief Mark John and IAFF Union Representative Steven Busz to the Regional Fire Authority Planning Committee.
Report
Issue:
Whether to appoint Councilmembers Jim Cooper, Lisa Parshley and Y?n Hu?nh; Fire Chief Mark John and IAFF Union Representative Steven Busz to the Regional Fire Authority Planning Committee.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, City Manager, 360.753.8740
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
In 2019, the City of Olympia participated with the City of Tumwater and other local Fire agencies in a study to evaluate options for a Regional Fire Authority (RFA). A copy of the Study is attached.
The study looked at opportunities to improve emergency services in the Olympia and Tumwater communities and explored partnership opportunities to provide these services regionally. Findings from this study, which were presented at an elected official's workshop in November 2019, recommended further exploration of a Regional Fire Authority as Olympia and Tumwater share similar risk profiles, histories, and organizational structures, there may be a potential to control costs and improve service delivery, it would level tax rates across the region, provide greater equity, and leverages individual agency strengths, and minimizes weaknesses.
On May 18, 2021, the City Council authorized an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Olympia and the City of Tumwater which provides the framework for a planning process that looks at the viability of a Regional Fire Authority between the cities of Olympia and Tumwater.
The Interlocal Agreement with the City of Tumwater provides:
Pursuant to RCW 52.26.030, the Parties agree to form a Regional Fire Authority Planning Committee (hereaft...
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