MARYSVILLE – Firefighters spoke in favor of the city and fire district forming a Regional Fire Authority at the City Council meeting.

They said they had been hearing reports that the city wanted to take over the fire department, “for the money.”

Leon Soper, whose family has been in the area for six generations, said he is afraid if the city takes over the department, “It won’t give them the money they need.” He is afraid funding might even be cut. At least let it go to a vote of the citizens, he added.

The city and Fire District 12 have been negotiating for some time over what would be best for the future: as it is, the city taking it over or forming an RFA.

Terrance Mies said the city spent a bunch of money hiring a consultant, who thought an RFA would be best. He said the district and city merged their departments years ago to save money and avoid duplication of services, and “it benefitted both.” But problems have developed in recent years.

“We’re understaffed, and it’s burned firemen out,” he said, adding the department also has had to dip into reserves.

Larry Nelson also spoke in favor of an RFA. “Splitting the department is unacceptable,” he said, adding he fears a regression of services if that happened.

Firefighter-paramedic Kate Songhurst spoke for the RFA on behalf of Local 3219. She said this community counts on timely, life-saving service, and she fears that could be in jeopardy.

Cody Brook said the health and safety of the community depends on what happens.

Fire Chief Martin McFalls said after the meeting that the rank-and-file firefighters had heard rumblings about the negotiations and just wanted to show up and voice their support.

Negotiations are continuing at the fire commission level.

Also that night, community members talked about the new parking ordinance the council recently passed.

Charles Smith, who brought the problem to the city’s attention, asked why it isn’t being enforced yet? The same car has been parked in front of his yard for 2 1/2 years. Smith said he can’t even work on his own property because of the vehicle. The new law says the limit is three days.

“They say they drive that car, but that is an incorrect statement,” Smith said.

He added the culprits are making a mockery of the council and law.

“My neighbors are sick of it,” too, he said.

Mike Doyle, a neighbor of Smith’s, concurred. He said they live on a cul-de-sac, and that one house must have up to six vehicles. They can’t all park there, so they are spread out around the road.

“Is there no limit?” he asked. “I’d feel bad if I had to park on someone else’s property.”

He said under law he would have to foreclose to potential homebuyers the parking situation, which could hurt the price.

Ryan Vold said state and federal laws require cities to provide designated handicapped parking.

Saying that Marysville doesn’t, he asked, “Is this willfull ignorance?”

Later in the meeting, public works director Kevin Nielsen said the city is Americans with Disabilities Act compliant. He said some parking spaces are being eliminated on some arterial streets because the city is growing and some streets need to have faster speed limits.

“We need to move traffic,” he said.

In other council news:

•Parks director Jim Ballew said plans for the Mother Nature’s Window park will be re-tooled after a meeting with neighbors. “It’s emotional for quite a few people,” he said.

•Police Chief Rick Smith said it was a tough week for law enforcement, what with the killing of five officers in Dallas. He thanked the community for its support. “A lot of folks don’t have the support we have,” he said.

•Tom King was reappointed to the salary commission.