Arlington voters will decide on fire department annexation

Arlington Firefighters want to thank the City Council for placing annexation of the Arlington Fire Department to North County Regional Fire Authority on the February election ballot for voters to consider. Annexing to the Fire Authority would protect the quality and level of emergency services for City families and businesses.

Currently, our fire department has to compete with all other city services for funding. With annexation, property owners would pay a dedicated fire and EMS levy directly to the Fire Authority. This stabilizes funding for fire/EMS as call volumes and costs increase.

Arlington firefighters already partner with the Fire Authority on certain positions, programs and services. Annexation would make these cost-saving measures permanent, provide more emergency resources for City residents and improve training opportunities for firefighters.

Thank you for considering our request.

Capt. Greg Koontz, president

Arlington City Firefighters, IAFF Local 3728

Arlington