By Cheryl Schweizer
Columbia Basin Herald
MOSES LAKE, Wash. — Options for changing fire and EMS delivery in and around Moses Lake , or whether to keep the existing system, will be the subject of a study commissioned by city officials. The city has issued a request for proposals for a consultant to study three alternatives, and Mayor Dustin Swartz said it’s a sign of growth in Moses Lake and the surrounding area.
“How can we make this all work better?” Swartz said.
The analysis would be due by the end of 2025.
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The RFP is asking the consultant to analyze three different options, one being to retain the MLFD as it exists. Another is the establishment of a separate fire district with the boundaries of the city limits. The third option is the establishment of a regional fire authority.
A fire district would have its own commissioners, budget and funding sources, and so would a regional fire authority, according to information from the Municipal Research and Services Center.
“Each option is to be considered with relevance to the operational and financial feasibility,” according to the city’s RFP.
Formation of a regional fire authority would require a vote of residents within the proposed district, according to RCW 52.26. Formation of a fire district would require a petition from at least 10% of qualified registered voters living in the district, according to RCW 50.02.303.
Swartz said the city’s growth presents some questions that city officials think the analysis will help them answer. He cited the case of the city annexing an area relatively distant from existing MLFD stations, but close to fire stations belonging to another agency. Building a city fire station might seem unnecessary with one already nearby, but the other agency wouldn’t be obligated to immediately respond to a call within the city limits, he said.
If officials in the affected districts opt for a regional fire authority, the consultant would be asked to help with the planning process.
A fire authority could, but wouldn’t have to, levy a fee or tax. In most cases, RFAs do levy taxes to fund operations. If the planning committee decides to levy a tax or a fee, the plan would have to be approved by 60% of the voters.
In the case of a fire district, the petition signed by qualified registered voters is reviewed by the county auditor, and if enough signatures are valid, it’s presented to the county commissioners. The proposal then goes to a public hearing.
If the commissioners decide to establish the fire district, there’s an election for fire commissioners, according to RCW 52.02.070. Candidates for the first election are proposed by county commissioners.
Representatives from the union representing MLFD firefighters were not available at press time, but their response will be reported when it’s received.
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