East Pierce Fire and Rescue Decides Not to Pursue Merger with Orting

After a weekend retreat on March 26, the East Pierce Fire Commissioners decided not to pursue a merger with Orting Valley Fire and Rescue. The commission cited poor timing as the primary reason, in addition to increased financial burdens and stress on the organization. The decision was finalized at the regular commissioners meeting on Tuesday, April 19.

“Many of our members have been working with Orting personnel since September, conducting research, identifying the benefits and challenges that a merger would bring,” said East Pierce Fire Chief . “After an exhaustive review, however, it is the recommendation to the commissioners that we not pursue a merger at this time.”

East Pierce recently merged with Pierce County Fire District 8 in Edgewood and the commissioners felt that expanding the department again to include Orting would strain the effectiveness of the organization.

It would have also meant an initial revenue deficit, during a time when the district is experiencing a drop in tax revenues due to decreasing assessed valuation. East Pierce gets its operating from annual property taxes and currently retain $1.50 per thousand assessed property value for fire service and 50 cents per thousand for emergency medical services, annually.

“Since we are likely to see another reduction in assessed value next year, it makes sense to be careful about adding to that deficit,” said Thorson. “While we were hoping to help improve the service in Orting, it doesn’t feel like the right thing to do right now for our taxpayers and our members.”