TO: Committee of the Whole - Public Safety and Human Services
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
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Fire |
Adrian Sheppard, Fire Chief |
425-556-2200 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
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Fire |
Micheal Despain |
Interim Deputy Chief |
TITLE:
title
Regional Fire Authority (RFA) Study
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
The City of Redmond Fire Department is evaluating the formation of a Regional Fire Authority (RFA) in collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions as a proactive solution to ensure high-quality, sustainable emergency services in a rapidly growing and complex service environment. An RFA is a public governance model that allows multiple agencies to consolidate fire and emergency medical services under a single, unified authority, providing streamlined operations, improved service delivery, and long-term financial resilience.
This initiative reflects a broader commitment to regional collaboration and operational efficiency. As the demands on fire and EMS services increase, due to population growth, urban density, and expanded risk profiles, so too does the need for modernized funding, governance, and deployment strategies that are not constrained by a single municipality’s general fund. The RFA model offers a path to stabilize funding, improve regional equity in service levels, and position participating jurisdictions to better meet both current and future public safety needs.
By initiating this study, Redmond affirms its commitment to exploring data-driven, community-focused solutions that enhance emergency response capabilities, reduce fiscal vulnerability, and support the health and safety of residents across the Eastside communities.
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☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
N/A
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
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OUTCOMES:
The City of Redmond faces increasing challenges in maintaining the high standard of fire and emergency services that residents expect, due in part to constrained general fund capacity and sustained community growth. Continuing to deliver effective, equitable, and modern public safety services within the current funding model will become increasingly difficult without structural changes.
Forming a Regional Fire Authority (RFA) offers a long-term solution that protects service levels, supports regional collaboration, and introduces greater operational and financial efficiency. By transitioning fire services to an RFA, Redmond can help create a dedicated and stable funding stream for emergency services, reduce fiscal pressure on the General Fund, and participate in a model designed for adaptability, scale, and sustainability.
In doing so, the City ensures continuity of service for its residents, enables strategic reinvestment in other critical municipal priorities, and reinforces its leadership role in shaping a resilient and integrated regional emergency response system.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
N/A
• Outreach Methods and Results:
N/A
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
The estimated cost to initiate and support the formation of a Regional Fire Authority (RFA) is approximately $190,000 over the 2025-2026 fiscal period. This investment would be shared among participating agencies and may be significantly reduced depending on the number of jurisdictions involved and the cost allocation methodology adopted.
Approved in current biennial budget: ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
N/A
Budget Priority:
Safe and Resilient
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
N/A
Budget/Funding Constraints:
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☒ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
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Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
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N/A |
Item has not been presented to Council |
N/A |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
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Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
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N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
Timing is only impacted by meeting ballot initiative deadlines.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: RFA Overview for the City of Redmond (PowerPoint)