Annexation to South County Fire on Ballots

The Mill Creek City Council has unanimously resolved to place an annexation proposal for South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue on the April 26, 2022, Special Election ballot, signaling a strategic shift in local emergency services. This move comes after a thorough evaluation of fire and emergency medical service options, with South County Fire emerging as the most economical choice without compromising service quality. Currently, residents face a potential property tax reduction of $4. 3 million in 2023 if the annexation is approved, equating to the City's current fire and EMS contract costs. Councilmember Stephanie Vignal emphasized the importance of protecting service quality, stating that South County Fire offers the same level of care at a significantly lower rate.

If voters decline the annexation, Mill Creek may need to raise taxes or implement service cuts to manage rising EMS costs. Scott Harder, the City’s Communications Coordinator, highlighted the precarious nature of contracting emergency services, which can lead to funding conflicts with other city services. Under the annexation, residents would pay South County Fire directly, simplifying funding arrangements and potentially enhancing service reliability. This proposal underscores the ongoing challenges municipalities face in balancing budget constraints with the need for effective emergency response.