Avra Valley Fire District

The meeting included recognition of a retiring Battalion Chief, Lyle Kennedy, following his service from volunteer to Battalion Chief. Key discussions involved the Chief's report, noting the current staffing level (three open positions to be filled in January) and the District's pension fund being 86% funded, which is among the highest in the State, although PSPRS contributions are projected to increase for FY27. The Board approved the November 2025 financial reports and authorized the Chairman and Clerk to sign the Certificate of Review. Additionally, the current officers of the Board of Directors were reappointed by acclamation, and Mr. Cody Bren was reappointed to the Local Pension Board.

The agenda for the regular meeting of the Board of Directors included several standard procedural items such as the Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call, Recognition of Personnel, and Call to the Public. Key discussion points involve reviewing announcements, current events, and correspondence. Action items include the review, discussion, and possible adoption of the Minutes from the Regular Meeting held on December 18, 2025, and the review, discussion, and possible action to approve the December 2025 Financial Reports and authorize necessary certifications. The Chief's Report will cover updates on fire suppression, EMS, wildland services, response times, facilities, finance, and personnel.

The meeting included recognition of Battalion Chief Lyle Kennedy's retirement, updates from the Fire Chief on staffing levels, upcoming promotions, and the district's pension fund status. The board approved the November 2025 financial reports and authorized the Chairman and Clerk to sign the Certificate of Review. Officers of the Avra Valley Fire Board of Directors were re-elected, and Mr. Cody Bren was reappointed to the Local Pension Board.

The Avra Valley Fire District board meeting included discussion of the AFDA Conference, recent home purchases by Richmond America Homes in the Red Rock area, and ASARCO/Silverbell Mine's plan to discontinue fire protection services. The December 2019 financial reports were approved, and future agenda items were identified, including renewing the engagement letter with auditors and an IGA with the Pima County Hazmat Response Team.

The meeting included updates from the Fire Chief on fire suppression, EMS, wildland services, response times, vehicles, facilities, labor relations, personnel, finance, grants, communications, and training. The District was awarded a SAFER Grant to fund 13 firefighters over three years, with the new staff expected to be in place by January 2021. One crew was deployed to California, and a new ambulance was placed in service but temporarily removed for suspension issues. The board approved the August 2020 financial reports and authorized the Chairman and Clerk to sign the Certificate of Review. The ALS Base Hospital Affiliation Agreement with St. Mary's Hospital was tabled until the next meeting for further review. The FY2019 SAFER Grant funding was accepted to fund 13 firefighter or paramedic positions over a three-year period.