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1. What does this mean for the City’s current Public Works Shop site, or potential development of “the pit” on City property located off Three Lakes Road?

This is still to be determined. A feasibility study of “the pit” is nearing completion and the City plans to review that information with staff and Council soon. The City would like to move as many of its operations to one location as possible to better serve residents.

2. What are the benefits of a shared campus?

Locating fire suppression and police services in one area will improve public safety by allowing for a combined emergency response. Consolidating city services in the same area will be more efficient for the public and cost-effective for taxpayers. The City currently has staff and equipment scattered across a half dozen locations, some in facilities that are over a century old. The infrastructure no longer meets the service needs of our growing community. The maintenance costs are significant, which reduces the amount of revenue the City has for programs and services people want. Sharing space means residents can access all the services they need in one area. In addition, all three agencies would be located in a facility that is more energy efficient and environmentally sustainable.

Several other cities in Snohomish County have recently moved to—or are in the process of developing—a similar model, including Granite Falls, Marysville, Lake Stevens, and Mountlake Terrace.

3. How will it be paid for?

The two agencies will develop an updated interlocal agreement that addresses shared expenses and long-term repayment for the purchase and construction. Both agencies are also working on a variety of funding options for construction, including requests for funding in the state’s capital budget, low interest loans, debt bonds, and use of internal reserves set aside for public projects like these.