Fire District 13 planning for short and long term

The future of Fire District 13 is coming into focus with development of a snapshot view of present operations and facilities, the first step in a three-phased approach to creating a comprehensive five-year plan for the district.

“The next step,” Capt. Ted Taylor told the fire commissioners during their monthly Zoom meeting last Thursday, “is a projection of where we want to be five years from now.”

The third and final step, he said, is creating a strategy for getting from here to there.

“I think it will be a great document once we get to that point,” said Fire District 13 Board of Commissioners Chairman Larry Kibbee.

The ongoing process dovetails with more immediate District plans.

Commissioners approved a preliminary 2021 budget projecting just over $1.1 million in revenues and $918,125 in total operating expenses.

Total capital expenditures, including vehicles and equipment, are set at $762,500.

“It’s a responsible budget, well done, and something we can live with,” Kibbee said. “Thankfully, budgets are projections. We’ve done everything we can do to come out where we want to be.”

Given the economic climate, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, commissioners will move cautiously when it comes to launching capital improvements.

“The capital expenses projected,” Kibbee predicted, “probably won’t all get done in 2021.”

One item prioritized is installation of modular staff sleeping quarters at the district’s Snee Oosh Road station. Fire Chief Wood Weiss was given the go-ahead to continue working on the project with architect Peter Carletti and permit officials.

Plans include a one-story office and meeting area addition to the east side of the station.

The district will proceed with NextGen 9-1-1, the updated emergency communications service initiative developed for the U.S. and Canada.

Weiss said the district will be able to help with the readdressing of Shelter Bay residences that is required as part of the new 9-1-1 system.

“We can assist on several levels with this,” said Weiss. “We can put plates on houses and help with the paperwork.”

“This,” Kibbee added, “is a major development for the folks in Shelter Bay.”

The District will answer about 100 fewer service calls in 2020 versus 2019, a result of pandemic restrictions and stay-at-home orders.

The year’s final action is getting a new four-wheel drive aid rig Dec. 30 that replaces one with 90,000 miles on it.