Council places Skykomish Fire District annexation vote on August ballot

Fire District will provide increased fire protection service, emergency medical services

The Metropolitan King County Council today approved an ordinance placing on the August 19 primary election ballot a measure giving residents living near the town of Skykomish the choice of annexation into King County Fire District 50.

“I am pleased that this remote community within King County will have the opportunity to vote on better access to fire protection and medical services,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, who represents Skykomish on the County Council.

Annexation into the Fire District will provide increased fire protection service, emergency medical services, and related public services to the area. Approximately 120 residents are within the proposed annexation area, part of which is unincorporated King County. The Skykomish Council adopted two separate ordinances in June and December of 2007 announcing the city’s desire to have the parcel annexed into the Fire District.

The proposed annexation will address King County’s Comprehensive Plan/Countywide Planning Policies and is consistent with county policies that support regional coordination of essential public services and facilities in incorporated areas as needed to protect the public.