The cities and organizations that make up Eastside Fire and Rescue are inching ever closer to an agreement to keep the entity intact.

Count us cautiously optimistic that this will happen.

Sammamish, which has sought changes in funding and operation of EFR, appears to be getting what it wants. One by one, the cities and fire districts that make up EFR are approving a new funding model that will save Sammamish more than $400,000 each year. The next step is to craft a new agreement among all the parties that deals with other aspects of the operation.

Sammamish isn’t likely to get everything it wants; after all, other members of EFR likely have changes of their own that they would like to see implemented.

The key is to take these final steps of negotiation seriously and not let irritating distractions get in the way. We have confidence that those tasked to craft a new agreement are up to the task. With everyone working hard, there should be a new agreement around within the next several weeks. That would be a good reason to celebrate the start of a new year.

– Craig Groshart, Issaquah & Sammamish Reporter