Council Approves Seeking Regional Fire Service Proposals

At Tuesday's regular meeting, City Council authorized and directed City Manager Jessi Bon to seek proposals from the City of Bellevue and Eastside Fire and Rescue for a regional fire services model - this is where a single, larger fire agency provides comprehensive fire services across multiple communities. In this scenario, Mercer Island would be served by a larger, regional fire agency instead of the City operating its own, smaller department. Mercer Island fire personnel would transition to the regional fire agency and both Island fire stations would remain open.

Council's authorization formally begins the process to explore this option, with the Request for Proposal issued by the City today, April 5. Proposals from the regional fire agencies are due on May 3 - once received, they will be thoroughly reviewed by City staff and by City Council before a decision to move forward with the process is made. You can review the Request for Proposal document online.

Learn more about this process and why a regional fire services model is being considered by reviewing the frequently asked questions and letter from City Manager Bon here on Let’s Talk.