Public Health and Safety Committee, Nov. 4, 2026

The Tumwater Public Health and Safety Committee met November 4, 2026, and received a briefing on a proposal to reinstate fire impact fees. The city has not collected these fees since 2009, after the debt for Fire Station 1 was paid off. Consultant FCS updated the fire impact fee study; its results were under staff review. The proposed fees would be one-time charges on qualifying new development, limited to development’s proportionate share of eligible capital costs for fire protection facilities. The committee discussed state requirements, the treatment of smaller homes and accessory dwelling units, and comparisons with fees in other jurisdictions. The draft ordinance would amend municipal code provisions that currently restrict use of fees to the paid-off station debt. The city outlined further council consideration of the ordinance and a fee resolution in December, with study materials to be shared in advance. No contract award, procurement vote, or specific fee amount was identified.

The committee also heard an update on the city’s first annual trunk-or-treat event, which drew roughly twice the estimated 500 children and required an additional candy run. Members discussed developing a recurring committee work plan for next year, including periodic updates from police, fire, and the courts. The minutes were approved by motion; no other spending or purchasing action was reported.