Fire services are one of those things you only think about when you see a fire truck or need help in an emergency. Most of the time, its not something we think about.

But if you are a firefighter or medic working out of Station 87 in North Bend, then you have a daily reminder about fire services and more directly, about the frustration of living in an antiquated fire station.

Neither side of the issue, District 38 commissioners or the city of North Bend, think the current situation is acceptable. An out-of-date station, not built to house career firefighters and in a location that can hinder response times based on traffic, all add to the need for a new fire station.

So what’s the holdup? The issue should be on the November ballot, but both sides need to aggressively work out the final details to assure it happens. If it doesn’t happen in November, then it very likely won’t happen for two or three more years, as voters are faced with school levies and bonds.

The city has a piece of property located near the current Public Works building. The property would serve the area just fine, and is slightly east of town to take into account the direction of future growth.

I also understand the concern about future direction with regard to services, but let’s face it: Whatever direction the city of North Bend or District 38 goes, they both must go. Neither entity can efficiently and effectively go their own direction. So, draft an interlocal agreement that secures the relationship between the two entities while any bond is being paid. Cement the relationship so we can move forward with a new fire station.

Finally, the need for a new station shouldn’t hinge on who provides fire services. If both are to stay with Eastside Fire and Rescue, fine. If the two want to try it on their own, fine, but neither diminishes the need for a new station.

As far as working out the money details, have a third party contract consultant work out who pays what money based on changes in the area, as the city annexes portions of District 38. It can’t be that difficult to iron out the details.

The bottom line is that both entities need to move forward and assure this is on the November ballot. If a person on either side doesn’t understand that time is of the essence, then they should recuse themselves from future negotiations. We, as your constituents, expect a solid agreement to be ready for a November election. Neither side has the luxury of waiting another two or three years — just ask the staff at Station 87.