Time to question budget decisions

I am writing on behalf of The Professional Firefighters and Paramedics ofArlington Fire IAFF Local 3728. On Nov. 17, Snohomish County Fire Districts 18 (Bryant) and District 19 (Silvana)decided to terminatethe long standing relationship with the city of Arlington andour members for paramedic and EMT treatment and transportation.

As paid professionals, we have been proud to serve the citizens of Bryant and Silvana forover 30years. Fire Districts 18 and 19 have said the decision to terminate the relationship with Arlington is about saving money. The fact isin 2004the citizens of Bryant and Silvana approved a 50cents per $1,000 levy for emergency medical services.

If Bryant and Silvana fire districts are now getting a better deal elsewhere, where is the rest of the money going? Should the citizens be getting a refund?Our local union is scramblingto help Arlingtonfind additional funds to keep our members employed. We feel it is unfortunate that members of theNorth Snohomish County community could be forced out of work to save a few dollars. For thecitizens of Bryant and Silvana, I sincerelyhope that the new service your elected officials have decided on will provide you with the same level of professionalism, care and experiencethat the professional firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs of Arlington have.

Greg Koontz

Professional firefighter

Arlington