It's official: voters in the City of Marysville and Snohomish County Fire District 12 will decide on the formation of a Regional Fire Authority (RFA) in the April 23 Special Election.
Two open houses are scheduled to present information and answer questions about the RFA. All ages are welcome to come tour the stations and vehicles, learn about the RFA and enjoy refreshments with your firefighters.
March 19, 4-6 p.m.
| March 26, 4-6 p.m.
|
Station 65
| Station 62
|
17500 E. Lk. Goodwin Rd., Stanwood
| 10071 Shoultes Rd., Marysville
|
Each open house will start at 4 p.m. with an RFA presentation beginning at 5 p.m. Officials will be available to answer questions about the RFA.
An RFA is a special purpose district with independent taxing authority that provides fire and emergency medical services. In November, a planning committee unanimously concluded that an RFA would best serve residents and taxpayers in the greater Marysville area because it would provide stable, sustainable funding, meet increased demand and enhance operational efficiencies for emergency services.
Fire and emergency medical services are some of the most important services jurisdictions provide to residents. Marysville and the Fire District have delivered these services under a joint operating agreement as the Marysville Fire District for more than 25 years. Since that time, Marysville has grown four times larger in size and the population is more than five times greater. Calls for emergency service have increased nearly 60 percent since 2011 and the Marysville Fire District's annual expenses have exceeded revenues for several years.
The Marysville Fire District's current service area (which includes Marysville, Fire District 12, Seven Lakes, Lakewood, portions of the Tulalip Reservation and unincorporated Snohomish County) would not change under the RFA proposal. If voters approve, the new RFA would be funded by a property tax of $1.45 per $1,000 of assessed value, or $435 annually for a $300,000 home.
"We believe an RFA is a positive solution to address funding challenges facing our fire and emergency medical services," Fire Chief Martin McFalls said. "We invite our citizens to come see our facilities and learn about how an RFA can address our service challenges."
Learn more at marysvillewa.gov/RFA.