Bothell’s finances require scrutiny

Published 2:19 pm Friday, April 6, 2012

As a private citizen, I must respond to your editorial regarding Bothell annexation. (April 1, “It fits smart-growth vision.”) I am the chair of the Fire District 1 commissioners. It is obvious you received your information from the city of Bothell. If you had contacted Fire District 1, you would have received a more balanced view.

Your editorial incorrectly insinuates Fire District 1 withheld information about budget cuts until after the November annexation vote and wrongly questions its financial ability to keep Station 22 open for more than five years. Fire District 1 has always approved its budget in November, regardless of election issues. The budget cut was for administrative staff only, and it is proactive steps like this that keep Fire District 1 financially strong. All 12 fire stations are funded in the 2012 budget and all financial forecasts of future years.

The editorial should instead focus on the city of Bothell’s finances. Financial records show Bothell had a $3.4 million budget deficit in third quarter of 2011. More than 90 days has passed, and Bothell still has not released its 2011 financial results. Last year, Bothell argued vigorously in front of the Boundary Review Board that Station 22 is not necessary. Now, Bothell hastily put together a new promise to keep Station 22 without any new financial analysis or operation plan. It is a very legitimate question for the public to ask where Bothell would get its resources, especially since Bothell is in such a difficult financial position already.

David Chan

Chair and Commissioner

Snohomish County Fire District No. 1