Monroe Rural Fire Protection District

Key discussions during the meeting included the review and approval of the October 2025 financial report. In standing reports, the Office Administrator confirmed that all banking updates had been completed. The Fire Chief's report detailed operations, noting that September had 9 mutual aide fire calls but no in-district fire calls. Old business focused on pending repairs for unit 1710 and the F150, both postponed until after the fire season concludes. New business included a Fire Season After Action Review, highlighting the significant increase in acreage burned and structures lost in the 2025 season compared to 2024, and discussions on making fire response rigs ALS Compliant. Other new business involved updates on the Wild Fire Risk Grant, the Ag West Grant spending initiation, the status of seismic upgrades pending a structural inspection, and a commitment to conduct an annual review of handbook sections.

The meeting included discussion and approval of the financial report. The Volunteer Association is now a 501(c)(3) organization and is funding firefighter apparel and equipment for volunteer functions. The district clerk reported on cash carryover into the upcoming budget year. The Fire Chief reported on operations, training, and maintenance, including call responses, apparatus numbering system overhaul, and staffing updates. The board approved updates to financial management policies and discussed grant updates, including the Community Wildfire Risk Grant. They also discussed the Resident Volunteer Trailer Update and the Board of Director Officers. The board will begin the Fire Chief's annual evaluation and discussed a seismic grant for Station #1, as well as the possibility of a remount on the 2006 F550.

The meeting addressed the search for an interim chief, with updates indicating difficulties in finding one for a short-term period. Alternative coverage solutions were discussed, involving assistance from Andy Louden and volunteers from neighboring districts, particularly for April until a permanent chief is appointed in May. The establishment of a Technical Committee and a Community Committee for candidate assessment was also a key focus. The composition and roles of these committees were outlined, including the number of members, setup requirements for assessment rooms, and the process for evaluating candidates.

The Monroe Rural Fire Protection District held a budget hearing and regular board meeting. The board approved a resolution to transfer funds from the Contingency Fund to cover extra hours worked by the District Clerk, increased medical insurance premiums, and consulting services for the recruitment of a new Fire Chief, as well as repairs to Station #3. They also approved the transfer of funds to the Unexpected Personnel Cost Capital Reserve Fund. The budget for fiscal year 2022/2023 was adopted. The Fire Chief reported on repairs to leaks at Stations #1 and #3, concerns about the radio transmitter, replacement of damaged Holmatra cutters, and the status of 1735 unit. The board discussed radio repairs, board policies, and grants, including the Oregon State Fire Marshal Seasonal Staffing Grant.

The meeting included a joint session with the Local Contract Review Board to conduct a public hearing regarding changes to public contracting laws, resulting in the adoption of Resolution No. 2025/2026 #104. During the continuation of the regular board meeting, the financial report for November 2025 was approved. The Office Administrator reported on the renewal of FireMed coverage and the arrival of Zoll Monitors, which the board agreed should be paid immediately. The Fire Chief reported on hiring a replacement for a part-time employee and wrapping up purchases from the Ag West Grant. Old business involved rescinding the district's involvement in the Jim Kohl Scholarship and transferring responsibility to the high school. New business addressed safety concerns regarding caution lights on Route 99, the lack of steps from an interior door to the outside lower level, and a decision to close the safety deposit box and move historical documents to an onsite fire safe. The board also discussed mandatory vaccinations and the process for employee raises, which are now reviewed during the budget cycle.