Marysville Firefighters plan to picket against city-run fire department

Marysville, Wash. -- It's a city growing so fast that firefighters say they’ll soon have trouble keeping up with demand. Marysville Firefighters believe creating a Regional Fire Authority is the solution, but say the city council could stand in the way of that.

As early as Monday morning, Marysville Firefighters plan to picket at Marysville City Hall, demanding city council consider a Regional Fire authority rather than a city- run fire department. They say a new model has the potential to cut down response times and potentially save more lives.

In a city that has grown exponentially over the last two decades, Marysville City Council and Fire Board member Donna Wright says she recognizes the strain it has put on the fire district.

“In 1990, the population was 8500 and now we’re over 65,000,” said Wright. “It’s my understanding that the personnel that we need, we need more, whether we’re a Regional Fire Authority or a fire city department.”

Dean Shelton, the Secretary and Treasurer of Marysville Firefighters agrees they need more resources. He estimates call volumes are up 30 percent this year. However, he doesn’t believe becoming the city department is the answer.

“We believe as those dollars shrink, they’re going to have to find ways to make up those dollars or reduce services,” said Shelton.

Shelton believes a Regional Fire Authority would allow for more stable funding to ensure they have enough personnel to respond to incidents.

“We’re going to reach a point where we will reach limitations on available units on available staffing to service all those calls as we continue to grow,” said Shelton.

It’s why supporters have already made signs and posters in favor of an RFA, and with their plans to picket ahead of Monday’s city council meeting, city leaders say they’re hurt by that.

“That makes me really sad that they feel like they have to do that,” said Wright, who says it signals a lack of trust in city leadership.

Wright says she hasn’t made up her mind about which option she’ll support, but says her number one concern is protecting the people.

“I’m just concerned about keeping our citizens safe and then paying for it,” said Wright.

A special council meeting is planned for August 3 to specifically discuss the Regional Fire Authority.