By Noel Monin
Fire Chief
Hello, I am Noel Monin, your new Fire Chief who was recently appointed by your Fire District No.3 Board of Fire Commissioners. You need to know the dire financial status of your Fire Department. The budget was balanced this year only through staff and benefit reductions, maintenance deferrals, and continual dipping into a dwindling reserve fund. The Fire District has immediate and ongoing capital expenses with zero capital funds set aside. Service reductions will be ongoing if revenues are not increased.
Reducing services directly increases risks for our community: Loss of fire insurance, loss of property, and loss of life are all outcomes of an underfunded Fire Department. As such, your fire commissioners are in the process of preparing the District’s first-ever levy lid lift ask of the public. They are seeking public participation in the election process and need you to serve on Advocacy committees; one committee “in favor” and one committee “opposed.” They are hopeful the public will participate in the important process of guiding the future of the Fire Department. Committee members are required to be San Juan County residents or owners of property in San Juan County. The fire commissioner’s regular meetings are held at 1011 Mullis St. on the second Tuesday of each month at 3 p.m. If interested in either committee, please contact the District Fire Chief by phone at 360-378-5334 or email at nmonin@sjifire.org.
Fire District No.3 currently serves 10 islands and operates out of seven strategically placed stations, a boat shed & slip, and a citizen’s hanger on Stuart Island. The District additionally provides necessary services to San Juan EMS, the Sheriff, State and National Parks, and other local and state fire agencies through various standing agreements. The Fleet includes six engines, one aerial (ladder truck), four brush trucks, two UTVs, a boat, two water tenders, one reserve engine, a service truck, and several command and support vehicles. We deploy two full-time administrative staff including the Chief, six full-time day and shift staff, four part-time shift staff, and a substantial volunteer staff to provide 24/7 services – all comprising of over 70 trained, dedicated, and equipped community members.
Our Fire District has never asked for a levy correction but probably should have many years ago. The current tax levy brings the District $1.96 million per year which is less than $0.30/$1,000 of assessed property value. This equates to less than $240 per year for a home assessed at $800,000. An $800,000 home just 10 years ago paid $467 per year. Meanwhile, Fire District services have improved since its inception in 1958, responses and services have significantly increased, and the community has significantly grown – in both size and value. Governments, schools, and churches do not pay fire protection taxes. Your Fire Department is your first line of protection and is required by underwriters in the issuance of homeowner’s insurance. We ask for your involvement in this important process of deciding the future of your fire protection services.
