Title
Regional Fire Authority Planning Meeting
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Discuss items related to Regional Fire Authority Planning.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss items related to Regional Fire Authority Planning.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, City Manager, 360.753.8740
Presenter(s):
Committee Members
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 19, 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 Planning Committee first met on August 16, 2021. On November 14, 2022, the Planning Committee conducted a public hearing on formation of the Authority and the Plan. Following the public hearing, upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Planning Committee moved to recommend the formation of the Authority and its Plan to the Olympia City Council and Tumwater City Council. Copies of the Plan were made available from the administrative offices of the City of Olympia and the City of Tumwater City Clerk.
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