City manager says Shoreline RFA board adopted regional fire plan; Bothell may put annexation to voters

City Manager Kyle Stanhart updated council on recent regional fire authority discussions, reporting that the Shoreline Regional Fire Authority board adopted a regional fire plan and that Bothell may need to decide whether to send an annexation question to voters. Stanhart said that if voters approve annexation, the effective date would be March 1, 2027, and described governance and financial transition details outlined in the regional plan.

"The RFA board did adopt the regional fire plan that is one of the precursors to the council taking action," Stanhart said, noting the board's action and that the city clerk had received pro-applications for the pro committee but none for the con committee. Stanhart summarized that the RFA board plan envisions governance with nine board members (including three elected officials from Bothell), that the city would retain ownership of fire stations until transferred to the RFA subject to bond terms, and that the city has agreed to asset-replacement payments (a $105,000 payment within 30 days of the effective date and $505,000 no later than April 1, 2028) as reflected in planning assumptions. Stanhart said the council could expect potential action next week (July 21) and might appoint pro/con committees if it decides to place the annexation question on the ballot.