Fire Department has a 100 percent vaccination rate.
Snoqualmie, WA – Two weeks after the Vaccine Mandate deadline of October 18 adopted by the City of Snoqualmie for employees, more than 90 percent of City staff have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Eight employees, or 7 percent of the workforce, have separated due to not complying with the mandate. Four of these employees worked in the Public Works Division (represented by the Teamsters union) and three employees were police officers (represented by the Snoqualmie Police Association). One employee was a member of management and professional staff.
The City received 19 exemptions for evaluation of which three were accommodated, making up 3 percent of the workforce. The accommodated staff will have either no contact or very limited contact with the public, as well as other requirements to provide a safe working environment. All three accommodations are limited to a short time period before vaccination is required.
Of the three unions (Fire, Police, and Teamsters), only the International Association of Firefighters ratified an agreement with the City. The Fire Department is fully vaccinated.
As the City recruits employees to fill vacancies, contingency plans for the different departments will ensure that service levels are retained. Proof of vaccination will be required for all future employees.
“Our vaccination rate for City employees mirrors the community we serve,” said Mayor Matt Larson, “providing a safe working environment for employees along with the public they interact with.” As of November 3, data from King County-Public Health shows 92.2 percent of residents in 98065 have had at least one vaccine dose, while 87.2 percent of residents have completed the vaccine series.
Following Gov. Inslee’s proclamation, Larson notified City employees in August of 2021 about the Vaccination Mandate for anyone employed or volunteering for the City.
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Gail Folkins, City of Snoqualmie
gfolkins@snoqualmiewa.gov
snoqualmiewa.gov
425-888-1555 / 425-275-7950
