RFA Implementation Guide
Resource Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Recent changes to state law now allow the process of forming an RFA, RCW 52.26 (http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=52.26)
The purpose of the Regional Fire Authority is to provide citizens with the best level of fire protection and emergency medical services through combined resources. The cost of maintaining and improving fire protection and emergency medical services has increased substantially. Combining services may provide the most cost-effective service for our citizens through economies of scale, macro-service delivery strategies, removing duplication and erasing borders.
Basically, as big as you want it to be. The vision dictates that this new RFA must demonstrate value for the citizens now and into the future. Current RFA’s include Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA), which combined the cities of Auburn, Algona and Pacific, and Riverside RFA which combined Lewis County Fire Protection District #12 and the city of Centralia. Both of these RFAs are working very well within their plan and vision.
The law allows the establishment of a RFA Planning Committee to explore the process of regionalization. The Planning Committee then creates the RFA Steering Committee to provide the information necessary for the Planning Committee to make sound decisions to the creation of the RFA. The ultimate authority for the creation of the RFA rests with the voters when the RFA Planning Committee forwards its recommendations and a ballot measure is placed before the voters.
The members of the RFA Planning Committee for any planning process include three (3) members from each participating agency. Thus, if you were looking to combine two (2) cities and two (2) fire districts, the Planning Committee would be comprised of twelve (12) members (6- City Council members representing the 2 cities, and 6- Commissioners representing the 2 fire districts).
The RFA Planning Committee establishes meetings on a regular basis at an established time and location (which can rotate as deemed proper by the Planning Committee). The purpose of these meetings is to gather information for the development of the Plan. These should be open public meetings to allow for public input, as well as their education on the RFA concept.
The process of developing the RFA work plan will be for the Steering Committee to develop strategic statements for all of the project task items and once approved by the Planning Committee, then organize the work and produce a recommendation in a timely manner for consideration by the Planning Committee.
The funding options for the Regional Fire Authority are the same as those available for the Fire Districts. Those options include property tax funded fire levies, EMS levies, bonds, excess levies. Benefit service charges are considered a fee for service and are permitted in lieu of the last fifty cents of property tax funded fire levy revenue. Finally, non-tax revenue, such as transport fees, contracts and other assessments are available as possible funding sources. Any funding mechanism must be approved by the voters by the same majority that the fire district measures required.
All personnel (career and volunteer) from all involved agencies would be transferred to the new department and retain their status through new agreements. Some member’s assignments may change to support emergency service delivery improvements. The key to a successful transition is to involve Labor early in the process, and ensure that wages, hours and working conditions are negotiated as per RCW 41.56.
No it is not. However, it is strongly suggested that Labor be involved from the beginning when contemplating and developing an RFA. Their input and support will be extremely important in the successful implementation of an RFA. Additionally, it is strongly suggested to work together with Labor under the auspices of RCW 41.56 related to collective bargaining to ensure that all members are handled fairly with regards to wages, hours and working conditions. While different labor groups may work under different collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) for a short period of time during the inception of an RFA, it is strongly suggested that a new CBA be fairly negotiated and implemented by both parties as soon as is practical.
Yes. Under current law, adjacent jurisdictions are allowed to merge and formally join an RFA.
When a City annexes into a Fire District, the City’s property tax levy capacity increases from $3.375 per $1000 of assessed valuation to $3.60 per $1000 of assessed valuation, less the amount the Fire District collects (either $1.50 or $1.00) and any funds collected by a Library District (up to $0.50). Does the same thing happen when a City becomes part of an RFA?
No. The statute does not allow for the same benefit to a City annexing into a Fire District (the increase in property tax levy availability) as when a City becomes part of an RFA.
The obligation for LEOFF 1 liabilities (especially for retired members) would succeed to the surviving entity just as if that new entity had incurred the obligation in the first place (much like a “successor employer” succeeding to the obligations of its predecessor under collective bargaining agreements).This is true whether the combination were a fire district merger or formation of an RFA. The surviving entity (an RFA in this circumstance) would be responsible for all LEOFF 1 liability previously incurred by the former fire agencies (i.e. former fire districts or municipalities now involved with the RFA). The exception to this relates to cities that enter an RFA. They can choose to retain LEOFF1 liabilities for retired employees. All LEOFF1 employees that retire after the formation will be the liability of the RFA.
The answer is yes. While not expressly stated within RCW 52.26, the opinion of Legal Counsel is that Governing Bodies may indeed be compensated for their attendance at meetings much like that of Fire District
RFA Guide Documentation
RFA Guide Committee
Jim Walkowski, Assistant Chief
Spokane County Fire District 9Craig Soucy, 7th District
Washington State Council of Fire Fighters- Rick Marshall, Fire Chief
Renton Regional Fire Authority - Keven Rojecki, 9th District
Washington State Council of Fire Fighters