EMS Levy

Last week, the council’s Public Safety Committee met. We discussed the proposed Emergency Medical Services levy and two upcoming open houses. Next week, residents are invited to attend either meeting: Tuesday the 27th, 6-8p at Fire Station 24 (in Old Town on 5th St) or Wednesday the 28th, 6-8pm at Fire Station 25 (in Harbour Pointe: 10400 47th Pl W). These open houses are opportunities to learn about the EMS levy that voters passed in 2004, and what has happened with the department since then. That levy expires at the end of this year, and the City Council is deciding what to do. The revenues from the EMS levy are needed in the future—the type of levy as well as the amount is being debated.
The City Council will make a decision about the levy at the May 3rd council meeting next week.
At the Public Safety Committee, we discussed a variety of things, including the fire department’s future. When the first levy was passed, there was discussion about future regional partnerships. There have been great strides towards this goal. Today, the City has working automatic aid agreements, so that the closest unit throughout the area can respond. This functions well for areas in the south like the Possession Bay neighborhood and Beverly Park Road. It also works well for areas of Everett along Mukilteo Boulevard. The City also has a strong partnership with the City of Lynnwood: Lynnwood has a Medical Services Officer who also supports Mukilteo.
The committee, at our meeting last week, recommended that the City pursue regional options further. At the May 3rd meeting, the Council will receive a recommendation from the Public Safety Committee that the Mayor and Public Safety Committee should pursue discussions with the City of Lynnwood about long term fire service options, such as expanding our existing partnership or consolidating service, and discuss with any other potential partners the possibility of a future Regional Fire Authority. This should be an ongoing conversation, and it makes sense to look at ways to provide good service for a good value for the taxpayers.
The committee also looked at other improvements in the Fire Department that have happened in the last six years. We have a fully functioning paramedic unit, and Fire Station 24 in Old Town is now fully staffed 24 hours a day by career firefighters.
I look forward to the open houses this week and hearing from residents. The future of the Fire Department and its funding structure is an important discussion.