Letter: ‘Public safety is the backbone of a thriving community’

Camas resident Zach Goodman encourages support for the Regional Fire Authority

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com

Proposition 1 has widespread support in the Camas-Washougal community because it will enhance fire and EMS services in both communities.

What the Regional Fire Authority will deliver:

A sustainable funding model

Eliminating the cities as the intermediary of funds allows fire and EMS to meet the demands of the short term while planning for the long term. Every dollar given to the RFA, is used for the RFA. 16 RFA’s currently exist in Washington, all are solvent and all have formed since 2007. This is clear evidence of the success that can be achieved through economies of scale and resource sharing when local governments work together with the increasing “do more with less” attitude voters have towards Government.

Three person fire engines

It would add 12 firefighters to the department. Currently, Camas/Washougal fire department is the only fire agency in Clark county that staffs with ONLY 2 FIREFIGHTERS! State law says that for every working structure fire to begin search and rescue, you must have 3! The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a minimum standard of 4 firefighters. The RFA will add 1 more firefighter to every engine on every shift, allowing them to put out fires or begin emergency medical treatment much quicker. With only 2 firefighters on an engine, firefighters on the first due fire engine on a working fire are not permitted to enter the building and begin search and rescue operations for known victims! Fire engines have 4 seats in them for a reason!

Tax rates that are fair

Currently, because of the problematic interlocal agreement, each city currently pays a different tax rate. The RFA equalizes this rate at $1.05 per $1,000 of assessed home value. This would be the lowest rate for fire service in Clark County and one of the lowest in the entire state!

No out-of-pocket ambulance costs

If approved, the RFA will eliminate all out-of-pocket ambulance costs for residents. All residents would be given a waiver should any out-of-pocket costs remain after billing insurance.

Potential for reduced homeowners insurance premiums

Insurance rates are based, at least partly, on effective firefighting force, if the RFA is approved and 12 additional firefighters are onboarded, both communities would be able to show an increased level of protection and therefore have the potential to reduce premiums.

Local control

Both cities would still be represented by councilors from both cities with a long term plan to gradually shift governance to elected members of the community at large. This ensures long lasting and responsible local influence on the RFA.

If rejected, both cities would be forced to form their own, separate fire departments. Because of the obvious redundancy in governmental and administrative overhead this would cause, (2 fire chiefs, 2 fire marshals, 2 sets of administration, etc.) this would increase the cost of the service over the current cost, while also reduce staffing and service levels in both cities. In other words, it would be like going back almost 20 years in staffing numbers, but with the service demands and incident numbers of 2025. Because Washougal contracts with Camas for all fire and EMS services, a no vote would be particularly devastating to Washougal.

Public safety is the backbone of a thriving community, please VOTE YES on PROPOSITION 1 in Camas and Washougal!

Zach Goodman
Camas