Brandon Asher

The agenda for this meeting includes a Special Meeting Call to Order for Input & Comment for Approval of the 2026 Budget, followed by a Regular Meeting Call to Order. The Consent Agenda covers the November 2025 Revenue and Expenditure Report, November 2025 payroll details, general account vouchers, capital purchases, and the approval of minutes from previous regular and budget workshop meetings. Unfinished Business includes updates on the TIF, the 100-Year Anniversary Celebration, the SAFER Grant, moving accounts payable/payroll from the County System, and a 2025 Policy Update. New Business items involve an addendum to Chief's Contracts, approval request for out-of-state travel for the 2026 Station Design Conference, a Surplus Resolution, a DRAFT Tuition Reimbursement Policy, the Chelan Douglas Pathways Master Plan, and setting the 2026 Regular Meeting and KOZI calendar, as well as the 2026 Board Chairman Position. The meeting concluded with a provision for an Executive Session to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment or review the performance of a public employee.

The document outlines the 2020 organizational goals for Chelan Fire & Rescue, developed during a long-range planning meeting. Key strategic pillars include Training, Community Relations, Staffing, Apparatus Replacement, and Facilities. The plan also establishes measurable goals for operational efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and audit performance, aiming to enhance readiness, engagement, and resource management.

The special meeting of Chelan Fire and Rescue focused on apparatus replacement, with a team assigned to define apparatus type, design, need, and a replacement schedule. The plan includes ordering two Type 1 engines with WUI capabilities to replace older units, specifying a command/staff vehicle, and delaying the replacement of another unit until 2023. Options for leasing the two apparatus were discussed, with a recommendation for a 10-year lease. The board also discussed the replacement of command rigs, a potential purchase of a GMC truck, repairs to the aerial ladder, and the possibility of installing a pump on Marine 71. An executive session was added to the next meeting agenda to discuss the Assistant Fire Chief contract.

This strategic plan for 2021-2025 outlines key objectives to enhance organizational effectiveness. It focuses on maintaining a safe and effective workforce, improving community relations, and securing future funding for operations, apparatus replacement, and facility needs. The plan also emphasizes the establishment and achievement of measurable performance goals.

The budget workshop focused on the draft for the 2023 Budget Proposal, which is based upon estimated revenues for 2023 and estimates for expenditures based upon past and current operating periods. The proposal addresses the measurable changes in the General Fund and Operations Budgets as well as the current Capital, Reserve, and Bond Fund Accounts. Staff proposes to increase the General Reserve Account to cover contingency reserves as required in SOG 103 which is $150,000 for 2023. Staff recommends an additional $80,000 to the Capital Reserve Investment Account due to no available chassis and an update to the apparatus replacement schedule. Chief Asher recommended remounting brush 75 and looking at a type 3 brush truck w/crew cab. Commissioner Jones stated it might be a good time to sell the station 75 excess property to raise additional funds for station 71 expansion. The focus is on apparatus replacement, and facility expansion, and continue to apply for grants. Chief Asher will research the purchase of an ambulance for BLS calls.