Bothell Annexation Concerns Woodinville Fire & Rescue

After losing part of its territory and a chunk of revenue to the city of Kirkland’s annexation in June, faces another possible hit from the city of Bothell.

Woodinville Fire & Rescue commissioners are slated to get an update Monday from Fire Chief I. David Daniels on the potential .

“That’s going to affect us next year,” Commissioner Bob Miller said at the board’s July 5 meeting. “We need to know what the cost to the district will be if it goes through.”

Bothell wants to annex portions of unincorporated Snohomish and King counties. In Snohomish County, voters in parts of the proposed annexation area will decide in November whether to move forward. In King County, the process doesn’t need a vote if the city and King County agree to the move.

According to the city of Bothell, both King County and Fire District 16 agreed to enter annexation negotiations, and Woodinville Fire & Rescue (Fire District 36) originally “assented by silence.”

An update on negotiations on Bothell’s website says:

“Staff began interlocal agreement negotiations with Fire District 36 in August 2010. While discussions have been mutually respectful and friendly, the District decided in January 2011 to cease negotiations, citing the impact the PAA annexation would have on District revenues, particularly in the wake of the Kirkland Annexation. An overture by City staff asking what might bring the District back to the table resulted in another congenial meeting, but no change in the District’s position.”

At the July 5 meeting, Chief Daniels said, “It doesn’t make sense to go to the table if a decision’s been made. But we have re-engaged.” Daniels plans to update the commissioners on the annexation and potential financial impact Monday.

The Kirkland annexation raised hackles among firefighters, who objected to the loss of six firefighters to Kirkland and closing of a fire station. (See previous coverage here.)

Commissioner Kevin Coughlin said at the last board meeting: “I understand city of Bothell wants to make this happen; even if we think this is pseudo-bargaining, we do have a labor unit to look out for, so we don’t leave our firefighters with the concerns (they had) the last time--if we’re going to be able to keep them here, or if they’ll look at going to Bothell.”

He added, “I don’t know if Kirkland held us hostage on the last one or if we did it to  ourselves, but I want to make sure we go into this with our eyes wide open.”

Commissioner Tim Osgood said a public education campaign is needed.

“That’s one thing that didn’t get out during the Kirkland annexation thing: this is what it’s going to mean if it occurs.”

For full details on Bothell’s proposed annexation, click here. A map of the proposed annexation areas is attached to this story, along with Monday night’s meeting agenda.

The commissioners meet at 5 p.m. at Fire Station #31, 17718 Woodinville-Snohomish Road N.E.