Woodinville Fire & Rescue Nixes Bothell Annexation

Woodinville Fire & Rescue (King County Fire District 36) denied Bothell's request to open a dialogue regarding annexation of land in unincorporated King County into Bothell city limits, according to Chief David Daniels.

The proposed parcels (see map) are within Bothell’s sphere of annexation. While the annexation itself represents removal of only 3 percent of land from the fire district’s coverage, it will mean an eight percent loss in revenue, according to Daniels.

“That’s about $1 million in revenue taken from our budget,” he said.

If it is annexed by Bothell, then fire and rescue services will be the responsibility of the City of Bothell. However, because Woodinville has the closest fire stations to the area, and the closest emergency angency responds to calls, Woodinville firefighters would respond.

Commissioner Clint Olson said Woodinville taxpayers would be paying for that area of Bothell’s fire and rescue services. 

“Basically, Bothell wants an agreement without payment,” Olson said. “Now if they want to contract for services, that would be different.”

Bothell Community Development Director Bill Wiselogle said the city is open to talking about contracting with the fire district.

“We’re willing to talk about any options to annexation,” he said. “I understand the board has rejected entering into interlocal agreement, but we’re still talking to staff about ways it can be done.”

Annexation of unincorporated area is promoted by the Washington State Growth Management Act, which recognizes cities as the most appropriate providers of urban governmental services. Any annexation must be agreed to by local government agencies, including fire districts.

“I can’t see that the community in Woodinville or Bothell will be better served by this annexation,” said Daniels.