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North County Regional Fire Authority reports stable call volumes, EMS focus and staffing challenges
Summary
The North County Regional Fire Authority reported roughly 10,000 annual dispatch calls with about 85% EMS, response times within adopted standards, a recent loss of many part-time members and progress on CARES community-health funding.
Deputy/Chief Dave Kraske presented the North County Regional Fire Authority quarterly report. He said the authority handled about 2,581 dispatch calls in the quarter and is on pace for roughly 10,000 calls annually, with about 85% of calls categorized as emergency medical services.
Kraske reported average turnout time of 1 minute 23 seconds and an in-city response time for Arlington of 5 minutes 17 seconds, both within the authority's adopted standards. He attributed differences with neighboring Stanwood to station layout and geography.
Kraske described recruitment pressures: over the prior 10 weeks the authority lost about 17 part-time members (more than half the part-time program) and launched targeted recruiting at college fire-science and EMT programs to rebuild the ranks. He also noted internal position changes: two daytime positions were created (medical services officer and a training-support position) and remain to be filled.
On prevention and community health, Kraske said the CARES program will receive additional support: North Sound Accountable Communities of Health agreed to fund a second community-health position for up to $300,000 annually. The authority also completed 261 biannual inspections for Arlington with most resolved on initial visits.
Labor negotiations with IAFF Local 3438 were ongoing more than 10 months after expiration; Kraske said mediation is possible if momentum does not develop. He provided FY2025 budget highlights including a roughly $29 million adopted budget, a $5.5 million general fund reserve and $3 million capital reserve.
The presentation was informational; no council vote is recorded in the provided transcript.
