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Mukilteo weighs keeping local fire service versus joining a regional authority as calls and costs rise
Summary
Chief Albright told the council that high-acuity calls and aging equipment are straining Mukilteo’s fire operations; staff outlined a funding gap and options including a city fire district, regional fire authority (RFA), or a levy lid lift, with a recommended decision point by Aug. 1 to meet ballot timelines.
Chief Albright presented the Mukilteo Fire Department’s operational and financial status during the council’s April 20 priority discussion, saying call volumes and case acuity have increased in recent years and that the department faces leadership retirements and aging apparatus.
Chief Albright highlighted that calls requiring upgraded medic-level response have more than doubled — from 27 in 2019 to 61 in 2025 — and that the department’s highest-acuity medical calls and overall demand are rising. He reviewed the CityGate operational study recommendations and reported progress on those items, noting some remain unaddressed.
Possible structural and funding paths were discussed. Chief Albright described a ‘‘city fire district’’ concept (a taxing district coterminous with the city) and several regional-fire-authority (RFA) options, and he identified potential partners including the City of Everett, South County Fire, and Snohomish Regional Fire Rescue. He also described revenue alternatives: fire levies, EMS levy, transport fees, fire benefit charges and a general levy lid lift subject to voter approval.
Steve, a staff member, provided budget numbers: current fire-related costs at approximately $6.5 million a year; unmet equipment and facility replacement needs about $900,000 annually; and additional staffing required to meet CityGate standards around $1.6 million — a total funding gap on the order of $2.5 million to reach an estimated $9 million annual cost.
Council members asked about transport-revenue declines and repeat callers; Chief Albright and staff described work to analyze repeat use and noted community-paramedicine programs can reduce frequent low-acuity calls. Several residents urged clarity about service-level tradeoffs, per-capita cost comparisons and how an RFA would change service and taxes. Council members emphasized conducting public outreach and taking time to develop clear cost/service scenarios rather than rushing to a ballot.
Next steps: Chief Albright recommended the council identify a direction by Aug. 1 if it intends to pursue a ballot measure in April 2027 and to allow time for planning and voter education.
