Fire District February 16, 2026

Note: The meeting was changed to Monday due to a lack of quorum for the regularly scheduled third Tuesday meeting at 3:00 pm.

The commissioners passed a resolution allowing for bills to be paid if the commissioners are not available.  Chief Monin reviewed changes to the 2026 budget reflecting an additional $100K for new fire hoses and outfitting new fire engines. The commissioners will vote on adjusted budget in March. 

Chief Monin presented an interlocal agreement with Skagit County for Mutual Aid for Fire and Emergency Services.  As many as 29 Fire Districts and cities could sign on.

The commissioners and Chief Monin discussed the low level of volunteers due to hiring and attrition.  The district may add a recruit academy in the Fall.  The Department of Natural Resources and the Forest Service have awarded the district a matching grant of $6000 for battery replacement.  The district will present the proposed Stuart Station design to the community for approval.  This may delay the process, but Chief Monin thinks approval is essential to success of the project.

Chief Monin has asked the county for a new stand-alone agreement to replace the one that expired last July.  The Fire Marshall has resigned and will need to be replaced.

Chief Monin presented a 20-year Capital Plan covering 2026-2045.  The spreadsheet assumes stable tax revenue and lists capital projects target in priority order, setting aside a reserve fund ending balance of just under 1 million.  The plan will be posted on the Fire District’s website for public review.

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