Title
Regional Fire Authority Planning Meeting
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Discuss issues related to Regional Fire Authority Planning.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss issues related to Regional Fire Authority Planning.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, City Manager, 360.753.8740
Presenter(s):
Committee Members
Facilitators
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 an RFA.
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.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
An RFA may provide options to improve fire service delivery in the Olympia and Tumwater communities. An RFA planning process will engage both communities in this evaluation.
Options:
1. Discuss issues related to Regional Fire Authority Planning.
2. Do not Discuss issues related to Regional Fire Authority Planning.
Financial Impact:
The cost of moving forward with a Regional Fire Authority planning process is estimated to cost $150,000 (Olympia's sha...
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