LWVSJ Observer Corps: SJI Fire District, October 8, 2024

The Commissioners thanked the voters for approving the fire levy and the citizens committee that supported it. They issued a press release thanking everyone and noted the funds would be used to make the community safer. They had received two thank you letters, one of which included a donation.

The commission held a public hearing and approved setting the fire district tax for 2025. They reviewed and adopted the preliminary 2025 budget, which now includes the post levy revenues projected at just under $4.7 million. Most expenditures had been set with the 2024 levels; with levy passage few priority expense items were increased including some safety items and personnel expenses. It will be another six months before new revenues start to come in and the priority will be on rebuilding reserves. They will need contingency funds to deal with Hannah Heights issues. Other adjustments will be made during the mid-year budget reviews and amendments. The Chief projects a year end cash balance of about $600k.

They received a used firetruck from Forest Service surplus that will be used to supplement service for the outer islands. They are still working to launch their program to do fire inspections for business in Friday Harbor. They are looking to implement service agreements with the Sheriff’s office and Coroner. All the county fire districts are working on renegotiating their contracts with the County Fire Marshall. They are updating their agreement with the EMS.

They are negotiating with the Port to move the fireboat from the Friday Harbor Marina to Jensen’s Shipyard to help address parking challenges.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to expand public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.