The Mill Creek City Council has taken a significant step toward potentially annexing to South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue, with plans for a special election this spring to gauge resident support. Currently, the city relies on Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue for fire and emergency medical services, but rising costs have led officials to seek more sustainable options. Interim City Manager Martin Yamamoto noted that annexation to South County Fire presents a cost-effective alternative, with projected rates being lower than those of the SRFR. If the annexation is approved by a simple majority, it would take effect in August 2022, changing how Mill Creek property owners pay for these services. Under the new arrangement, residents would pay South County Fire directly, potentially allowing the city to reduce its general levy or allocate funds to other public services.

If voters decide against the annexation, the city will need to explore options for raising additional revenue, which could include increasing the EMS levy. The council emphasizes the importance of ongoing public dialogue to keep residents informed and involved in decisions affecting their community. This potential shift in fire and emergency service provision highlights the city's commitment to maintaining quality services while managing costs effectively.