City pauses payments for fireEMS services under terminated RFA contract

Following its annexation into the South County Fire Regional Fire Authority (RFA), the City of Edmonds has paused fire and emergency service payments for the remainder of 2025, questioning its obligations under a terminated contract. City Attorney Jeff Taraday expressed surprise at receiving an invoice for over $850,000, arguing that the city’s contract with the RFA terminated on May 31. He emphasized that the RFA assumed full responsibility for services starting June 1, ending the city's prior payment obligations. The RFA disputes this claim, stating that the city was aware of its payment responsibilities as outlined in the interlocal agreement during a December 2024 council briefing. Mayor Mike Rosen confirmed that payments are on hold pending resolution of the matter.

The RFA's statement indicated it will respond to Edmonds' position as necessary. This dispute highlights the complexities surrounding municipal contracts and service agreements post-annexation. As the situation unfolds, the financial implications for Edmonds taxpayers remain uncertain.