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Buckley staff say fire capital needs could total $1.8M over 10 years; fee recommendation due early 2025
Summary
With growth projected through 2044, staff told council on Dec. 3 that the fire department estimates about $1.8 million in capital needs over 10 years—including possible aerial apparatus—and that a fire-impact-fee calculation and ordinance will be ready for council consideration in early 2025.
City staff presented an initial review of fire protection impact fees and related capital needs at the Dec. 3 study session. Chief Scoben was not present; staff said the chief estimates approximately $1.8 million in capital equipment upgrades over the next 10 years tied to growth, which could include an aerial ladder truck should taller structures be allowed.
Staff noted growth projections from the comp plan: roughly 1,260 new housing units and a population target of 8,235 by 2044. Because call volumes and equipment lifespans are increasing, staff said some capital items would need to be replaced or added sooner, and that any impact fees must be tied directly to growth. The city plans to finalize the impact-fee calculation and recommend a specific fee in early 2025, with an ordinance to explain how fees are calculated and what improvements are permitted.
Council members pressed on mutual-aid agreements, whether developers could be required to underwrite apparatus costs, and on the threshold at which aerial apparatus is needed; staff said ladder trucks are generally required above certain height or foot thresholds and that mutual aid or developer conditions are possible paths to compliance.
