Regional Fire Authority Planning Committee

The Regional Fire Authority Planning Committee exploring fire service consolidation in south Snohomish County will meet Aug. 3, 6 p.m., at Rosehill Community Center, Point Elliott Room, 304 Lincoln Ave., Mukilteo.

Brier, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, Woodway and Snohomish County Fire Districts 1 and 7 are participating in the Regional Fire Authority (RFA) planning process. An RFA is a special purpose district created by a vote of the people. State law provides the framework for jurisdictions to consider forming an RFA as a way to gain service efficiencies through consolidations while retaining local control.

Each jurisdiction in south Snohomish County has appointed three elected officials to serve on the RFA Planning Committee, which met for the first time in March.  The committee plans to meet monthly to evaluate information and develop plans for levels of service, finance, governance and other issues related to the regional delivery of fire and emergency medical service.  If feasible, the committee will draft a work plan for establishing an RFA and a ballot measure will be placed before voters in all jurisdictions within the proposed RFA boundaries. This process is expected to take at least two years.

At the Aug. 3 meeting, the RFA Planning Committee will discuss a proposed timeline and hear subcommittee reports on communications, finance and level of service.

The RFA Planning Committee will meet the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. All meetings are open to the public. The meeting location rotates among participating jurisdictions and is posted on the RFA Planning Committee website: www.rfa-planning.org. Agendas, minutes and planning documents are also available online.