Learn more at meeting Tuesday, Feb. 26; potential merger would combine Clearview, Monroe and Lake Stevens service
LAKE STEVENS — Lake Stevens Fire is holding a meeting for community members to learn more about a potential merger with Snohomish County Fire District 7. The purpose of the merger would be to improve emergency services for both communities and provide long-term efficiencies for taxpayers.
“Both Lake Stevens Fire and Snohomish County Fire District 7 are strong financially and operationally. The time is right to have this conversation,” Lake Stevens Fire Chief Kevin O’Brien said in a media release.
The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at the Lake Stevens Fire Conference Center, 10518 18th Street SE in Lake Stevens.
Chief O’Brien and Snohomish County Fire District 7 Chief Gary Meek will be available to answer questions from the public after a brief presentation.
Lake Stevens Fire and Snohomish County Fire District 7 already share fire marshal services, training programs and a community resource paramedic. This year, the agencies are working toward integrating their management and administrative teams.
Voter approval to finalize a merger would be required.
Lake Stevens Fire says the combined financial strength of both agencies also improves the ability to fund capital needs, such as
equipment and stations.
Voters in both districts have approved a combined levy rate of $2 per $1,000 of assessed property value to fund emergency services. This is $1.50 for fire and 50 cents for emergency medical service. These levy rates would continue for taxpayers in both districts if a merger was approved by voters. Both districts would retain their local stations.
Fire commissioners may consider putting the merger on the ballot for this August’s primary election.
At this point, Lake Stevens Fire said in a media release that it simply wants to hear from the public about the idea during this meeting.
If you can’t make the meeting, you can contact Lake Stevens Chief Kevin O’Brien at 425-212-3044 or kobrien@lsfire.org
Snohomish Fire District 4 is not part of the merger.
