Search for Mukilteo fire chief continues

Published 9:37 pm Thursday, December 4, 2014

MUKILTEO — The city’s search for a new fire chief could wrap up this spring.

The contract for the interim chief, Marcus Kragness, 57, is likely to be extended during the hiring search, Mayor Jennifer Gregerson said. His contract is set to expire at the end of the year.

Kragness is being paid about $2,368 a week through the contract.

The city is aiming to hire a new fire chief by March, the mayor said. The job, which pays up to $112,700, depending on experience and qualifications, was posted online last week.

The future of the city fire department has been in limbo during years of contract talks with Fire District 1. The City Council is expected in early 2015 to vote against contracting for fire service with Fire District 1.

The city also plans to hire a consultant to study fire department operations. Up to $30,000 has been approved for the study, which is expected to be completed in January or February.