Petition for Proper Fire/EMS Due Diligence Following RFA Annexation

To: Mayor Mike Rosen and Edmonds City Council

We, the undersigned residents of Edmonds, respectfully petition the City to immediately initiate independent, taxpayer-focused due diligence regarding future fire/EMS services.

The recent RFA Annexation election was marred by City-funded advocacy and union-sponsored campaigns that misled residents, violated public disclosure laws and undermined trust. Despite RFA Annexation approval, the City retains the authority to negotiate final annexation terms and even reverse the decision by Council vote, as acknowledged by the City Attorney in December 2024.

We respectfully request the Council to:

1. Appoint a Citizens' Oversight Committee to review and approve an RFP/Statement of Work, ensuring the City hires a qualified, taxpayer-centric consultant to evaluate the feasibility of a City-run fire/EMS model, with the goal of saving an incremental $45 million in taxes over five years.
2. Negotiate Critical Annexation Pre-requisites before finalizing an agreement with the RFA, including:
   • Ensuring the right to repurchase fire apparatus and retain fire station ownership if de-annexation occurs within 24 months;
   • Securing the $7–$8 million in RFA-withheld hospital and GEMT transport fees;
   • Requiring the RFA to raise its fire benefit charge revenue to at least 35%;
   • Mandating community-based transparent annual cost and performance reporting (cost per resident; cost per 911 call; wages of all RFA personnel; economies of scale and productivity cost reductions; etc.)

Rationale: The unjustified increase from a $12M/year contract to $21M/year in new post-annexation taxes represents an incremental $45M tax burden over five years, with no demonstrated improvement in service. Current contract costs are $280/resident annually and $1,846 per 911 call; post-annexation, costs would balloon to $488/resident and $3,231 per 911 call—with no economies of scale or service upgrades.

ChatGPT artificial intelligence research indicates Edmonds could maintain or even improve fire/EMS services at the current $12M cost, by using best-practice models such as single-role paramedics and lean staffing, combined with private ambulance partnerships. Additional revenues from contracts with Esperance, Woodway, the Port of Edmonds, and hospital transport fees could further reduce net operating costs by $3.5M annually.

Conclusion: Alternatives to RFA annexation give the Council an opportunity to save taxpayers $45 million in new taxes over five years. There is no other budget item that offers this kind of leveraged tax reduction. By committing to the requested actions above, the Council will help restore public trust by demonstrating its commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility –all of which are essential steps needed to secure taxpayer approval for future incremental tax levies.

We urge you to act immediately to safeguard Edmonds’ financial future and reduce unnecessary public safety taxes.

Respectfully submitted,

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