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Let me make some clarifications on the whole merger topic.
Yes, the original idea was to merge the four departments. But, there was disagreement about the legality of merging all those departments at once. Could you go to the voters all at the same time? What if one of the jurisdictions citizens voted no and the other jurisdictions voted yes? Things along those lines came up.
All the commissioners and chiefs walked away from the four department scenario with the concept that maybe it would be better to do it in phases. Additionally, there were governance (sp?) issues with the North Highline unincorporated area that kind of threw a monkey wrench into things.
In my opinion, it was the issue with the North Highline unincoporated area that really stopped all four from merging.
The governance issue is a REALLY big deal. Both the cities of Seattle and Burien and looking to designate that area as a PAA (Potential Annexation Area). The City of Burien is currently the leader in this effort with a draft annexation study complete and a final decision due sometime in November/December. It is no secret that the City of Burien is looking hard at annexing the entire area, although they have outlined many annexation plans that include annexing just a little, half or the entire unicorporated area.
Fire District 2 and the North Highline fire department pressed the city of Burien to study annexing the entire area. Originally, the city only was interested in a portion of the area. But the operational and fiscal impacts on public safety in a partial annexation were dire for the fire departments, especially for Fire District 2.
Currently the City of Buriens boundaries extend north to SW 116th (roughly). The city actually touches the city of Seattle at Seola Beach Drive. This area is served by the North Highline Fire Department by contract from district 2. That area is actually Fire District 2's, but North Highline has historically served that area and would be impossible for District 2 to serve that area from the Burien station (28).
Now, if the city of Burien annexed a portion of the North Highline area and decided they didn't want the rest, this could spell trouble for both fire departments. Here's how: If the City of Seattle put together a good campaign to convince the citizens of the remaining unincoporated area to vote to be a part of Seattle, this was cause considerable operational problems for District 2 and the North Highline. History has proven that the Seattle Fire Department is NOT a regional player when it comes to automatic/mutual aid. North Highline has had great troubles over the years working with seattle fire. They have never been able to consistantly count on them for mutual aid. AND Seattle would NEVER ask for mutual aid if they were thin in West Seattle (or Shorline too).
IF Seattle annexed part of the NH area, some of the firefighers from NH would be assumed by the SFD. AND District 2 could not count on SFD form automatic aid. This would force District 2 to build a Northern station to serve the Shorewood area and other areas annexed by Burien.
It is very complicated issue, but it looks as though the City of Burien will recommend annexing the entire area. Also the North Highline Unincorporated Council appears to favor annexing to Burien. They too have done a study to determine what is best for their citizens. In recent surveys, citizens commented that they would like to keep things the same. That means having King County provide municiple type services that they have provided for years. But King County does NOT want to do this anymore. And this is not a viable option. Citizens did say, however, that if the were to choose a city to be a part of, that Burien would be the city of choice. Most said they would not want to be a part of Seattle due to high taxes.
I have followed this issue for some time and can say one thing: The city of Burien has done their homework and have been able to offer facts and figures about services. The city of Seattle has been very inconsistant providing facts about services--especially when it comes public safety issues. They have provided no accurate data showing what they will do when it comes to fire protection and how they will deal with ALS coverage. King County Medic One recently joined the fight and is VERY concerned with the ALS impacts on the area if SFD provides service. SFD already has great difficulty with ALS coverage in the extreme SW tip of the city (Arroyos Beach, Arbor Heights area). Many are wondering what they would do. Would they let South King County continue to provide ALS coverage? Or would the just extend Medic 32's service area from West Seattle? They (SFD) have not been able to offer any info regarding this. This is very troubling, considering they NEVER call for ALS mutual aid from South King COunty Medic One or from Shorline Medic One on the North.
The bottom line is:
If Burien annexes the entire area, this is good for both Fire District 2 and the NHFD.
If Burien annexes a potion of the area and Seattle annexes the rest, this would be bad for both departments.
If Burien does nothing, and Seattle takes any portion, that is bad for both departments.
The best is for Burien to take it all.
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