Fire District #3 Commissioners' Regular Meeting August 18, 2026

LWVSJ Observer Corps*:  Fire District #3 Commissioners Meeting

August 18, 2026

 Commissioners approved credit card issuance for certain employees.  Now is the time to make budget requests for 2027.  They approved an L&I Agreement for grant money reimbursement of decontamination equipment of up to $25,000.

The Commissioners reviewed Chief Monin’s Compensation and Benefits Study. The report found compensation is generally competitive; however, housing availability, workforce demographics, and geographical isolation challenge recruitment and retention. They discussed several ideas for housing for new employees, as well as recruitment of vocational tech and high school students. 

Chief Monin reported a team of wildfire firefighters has been helping to fight the Paradise fire near Walla Walla for two weeks.  Another team will be taking over for the first team this week.  

The Fire District is set for an October 1st launch of the Burn Permit Program.

Chief Monin had a discussion with an agent from the Northwest Clean Air Agency in which he explained the Fire District’s decision to handle the Burn Permit Program in house. The Northwest Clean Air Agency is responsible for enforcing federal, state, and local air quality regulations in Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom counties.  The agent was unaware that San Juan County has no agreement with NW Clean Air, even though the Agency installed and operates an air monitoring station in Friday Harbor.  Chief Monin drafted an agreement for Fire District #3 only with NW Clean Air Agency.  

Chief Monin commended Kati English for the well-organized Fire District participation at the San Juan County Fair, and noted that they were also well received at the Rotary Club Car Show.

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