Chris Frost

The board discussed several items including member recognition, committee reports, and administrative status updates. Old business covered the annual report and bond level authorizations. New business included an insurance presentation and regional discussions regarding interlocal agreements and potential mergers. An executive session was held to consider real estate acquisition.

The board discussed committee reports from various organizations, including Thurston County Medic One and Thurston 9-1-1 Communications. Old business addressed the publication of the annual report and authorization for a voter-approved general obligation bond not to exceed $98.3 million. New business involved presentations on financial reports, community risk reduction, and future facility projects, as well as discussions regarding interlocal agreements and potential agency mergers.

The meeting included a swearing-in ceremony for new members and promotions, including Brandon Kirkwood to Chief Financial Officer and Michael Fogarty as Assistant Chief. The consent agenda involved approvals for warrants across various funds and payroll disbursements. Committee reports covered updates from Thurston 9-1-1 Communications regarding system upgrades and WSRB ratings, Community Outreach activities like the Santa Mobile conclusion, and Operations and Logistics updates on new aid units and the arrival of a new engine at Station 31. Standards and Resilience reported on the commencement of the SSRA 2026 and the upcoming accreditation process. Old Business focused on the discussion and unanimous approval of the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) for support services with East Olympia Fire District 6. New Business included the appointment of Chris DeBell as the secretary of record and discussions regarding the process for selecting the Board Chair and Vice-Chair for 2026, with no final action taken. An executive session was held to evaluate public employment qualifications.

The primary discussion focused on Old Business concerning the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) request from East Olympia Fire District 6 (EOFD6) due to significant internal operational leadership and administrative gaps within EOFD6 as their Office Manager retires and Fire Chief resignation approaches. The proposed ILA aims to provide immediate stability to EOFD6 via shared Lacey Fire District 3 (LFD3) leadership and administrative oversight, covering areas like administrative support, command and control, training, and fleet maintenance. Key terms reviewed included detailed cost sharing estimates for LFD3 personnel, indemnification clauses, and reporting structures, with a target adoption date of January 8, 2026. The Board also amended the agenda to include an opportunity for public/members to speak.

The meeting included approval of the agenda and the consent agenda, which covered warrants and payroll spanning multiple funds. Committee reports detailed plans for a year-long community needs assessment project for Thurston County Medic One, starting January 1st, and noted a delay in the TCOMM phone conversion. The Fire Commissioners Association reported on upcoming elections and legislative day schedules. For old business, the Board conducted a public hearing and subsequently adopted the 2026 Lacey Fire District Three (LFD3) budget via Resolution 902-11-25, following a presentation detailing property tax revenue growth, personnel cost adjustments (3.5% COLA and 15% medical premium increase), and planned expenditures. The Board also adopted Resolution 901-11-25 authorizing an increase in the district's tax levy. The administrative report presented monthly financial summaries for various funds and discussed participation in promoting 988 support stickers, upcoming community events like the Santa Mobile decoration and a charity basketball game, and provided an update on the annual audit process. An executive session was held to review the performance of a public employee.