Letter to the editor RFA annexation offers a collaborative approach

In a thoughtful letter to the editor, Daniel Storer addresses the concerns surrounding Edmonds' potential annexation into the South County Fire Regional Fire Authority (RFA). He counters claims that joining the RFA would divert local tax dollars, asserting that the organization operates on a fair funding model based on assessed property values and specific community needs. Storer emphasizes the long-standing relationship between Edmonds and South County Fire, which has provided outstanding emergency services for over 15 years. He underscores the importance of this partnership, noting that the firefighters have gained invaluable knowledge about the community that would be difficult to replace. Storer also points out that Edmonds is currently the only city served by South County Fire not included in the RFA, which could impede local emergency response capabilities.

The collaborative approach of the RFA, he argues, has been embraced across Washington State, ensuring equitable distribution of resources and high-quality services tailored to each community's needs. He reassures residents that there is no subsidization of other communities, nor are other areas subsidizing Edmonds. Storer's compelling argument calls for a reevaluation of misconceptions about the RFA model, advocating for a unified emergency response framework.