South County Fire to hold public hearing on redistricting
Published 1:34 pm Friday, August 14, 2026
EVERETT — The South County Fire Board of Commissioners will hold a second public hearing Tuesday on its proposals for new commissioner districts.
Earlier this year, the board began its redistricting process following the annexation of Edmonds into South County Fire in 2025. To account for about 40,000 additional residents, the board must redraw its five districts to include Edmonds. The city is currently represented by a liaison who does not have voting power.
The hearing comes after the board discussed a new proposal Tuesday that places Edmonds in District 4, which now sits vacant after commissioner Micah Rowland resigned Aug. 5. If the board approves the proposal, Edmonds would have official representation by late 2026. Edmonds would also be able to vote for its commissioner in 2027.
Commissioner districts are only for election purposes and do not directly impact 911 responses or fire and emergency services. A person running to serve as a commissioner must reside in the district they’re running for, but all South County Fire residents vote for every position.
The board will hold a public hearing during the board’s regular meeting at 7 p.m. on Aug. 18 at the South County Fire Headquarters, 12425 Meridian Ave. S. in Everett. Information about remote participation is available at southsnofire.org/meetings. Community members can also submit questions and comments about the redistricting proposals via email to mblankenship@southsnofire.org or voicemail at 425-551-1251.
The board previously held a public hearing in July and an open house in June. All six redistricting proposals are available at southsnofire.org/redistricting.
On Monday, Edmonds liaison Will Morris announced his resignation, unrelated to the redistricting effort, South County Fire spokesperson Christie Veley said in a press release Wednesday. On Tuesday, the Edmonds City Council appointed Beckie Peterson, executive assistant to the mayor, to the position.
Jenna Peterson: 425-339-3486; jenna.peterson@heraldnet.com; X: @jennarpetersonn.
