Dee Malone

The Board of Directors discussed a variety of business items, including a presentation by independent auditors and the formal acceptance of the Meeks Bay Fire Protection District 2024-2025 Annual Audit. The Board also conducted a vote for the Special District Representative for the Placer Local Agency Formation Commission, reviewed and approved comprehensive finance reports detailing purchase journals and payroll, and received updates via staff reports covering operations, training, and safety. A closed session was held regarding exposure to potential litigation, after which the meeting was adjourned.

The Board held a public hearing and adopted Ordinance 02-2026 to increase Director compensation for meeting attendance by 5% effective for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Finance reports were reviewed, including updates on the completion of multiple district audits and the potential for a return of funds from the GEMT report. The Board discussed investment strategies for District funds to maximize interest income and directed the update of the investment policy for further review by the Finance Committee. Additionally, staff reports were reviewed, and a closed session was held regarding potential exposure to litigation.

The Board of Directors accepted the 2024-2025 annual audit as presented by independent auditors. Board officers were elected and committee assignments were established. A public hearing was held to adopt an ordinance updating the cost recovery fee schedule for fire and life safety activities, which included an hourly rate increase. The Board also approved an updated records retention schedule for the district and nominated a representative for the Placer County Local Agency Formation Commission. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved various finance reports, including the purchase journal, CalCard report, gross payroll report, and account detail report. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss exposure to litigation.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions involved adopting Resolution 20-2025 to establish the 2026 regular meeting calendar, ultimately moving the meeting time from 3:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. starting in January 2026. Resolution 21-2025 was adopted to accept a $50,000 funding agreement from the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation to support the Forest Fuels Program, covering defensible space improvements and software purchases across five ongoing projects. The Board also formally approved the 2026, 2027, and 2028 salary schedules, which reflect a 5% increase as stipulated by the existing Memorandum of Understanding. Furthermore, the Board declared several older vehicles and equipment as surplus to be sold via auction or consignment to fund replacements. The finance report review indicated that North Tahoe Fire ended 2024/2025 at approximately 109% of budgeted revenue due to strike team activity, and noted the receipt of final bankruptcy settlement funds. In closed session, the Board unanimously approved a Settlement Agreement with Placer County, agreeing to repay $175,142.92 regarding Short Term Rental inspection fees.

The agenda for this regular meeting included several critical items. Key discussions involved a public hearing regarding Resolution 06-2024, which concerns the negotiated transfer of General Fund ATI upon the dissolution of the Meeks Bay Fire Protection District and subsequent annexation. The Board was set to consider Resolution 07-2024 accepting a $400,000 funding agreement from the Truckee-Tahoe Airport District for the River Road Buffer Zone Fuels Reduction Project. Other considerations included the Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2024/2025, authorization for a Five-Year Lease Purchase Agreement for one new ambulance (M-113), and unbudgeted capital purchase requests for PFAS Free Structural Turnouts (not to exceed $90,000) and one LEVO e-bike. The meeting also allotted time for future planning with Meeks Bay Fire and comprehensive finance and staff reports.