Orcas fire officials will continue planning for a new fire station at Deer Harbor while belt-tightening in other areas of the budget.
Fire commissioners last week approved a 2009 budget showing a general $1.436 million, with $1.892 million in estimated revenue and $1.588 million in capital expenditures.
“The capital expenditures are simply a savings withdrawal. We have been saving the money for several years and now we are spending it for what it was intended,” said Captain Rick Anda, the OIFD financial officer.
The budget was reduced by $64,000 in operating expenses, $35,000 in capital expenses and showed an increase of $16,000 in revenue. The revenue increase was the result of an error in calculating property tax on a previous version.
The major cut in operating expenses was $27,000 earmarked for painting the Eastsound fire station.
Chief Mike Harris and Commissioner Clyde Duke backed continued work on the proposed Deer Harbor Station.
They said the best plan is to move forward with permits, groundwork and all the preparatory work, while watching the economy for any property tax shortfall.
“I don’t want to build a $700,000 building and then not have enough money to turn the lights on,” Harris said. “It’s my job to look down the road as far as I can, even if the view is murky…
“As fire chief, I am as opposed as I can be to putting off building this station,” he added. “For me, this is a service situation. The rest of the island enjoys a fast response by ambulance and tanker truck. The Deer Harbor community deserves that same service.”
Duke said that they wanted to proceed with the Deer Harbor Station vision but would be prepared to pause and evaluate more information on the economy and building at the appropriate time.
“Our intent is to keep our options open as long as possible. The reality is we have looked at all the options and will continue to do so,” he said.
Members of the community expressed approval at moving forward cautiously, and at the revised budget during public comment.
As part of the budget discussion, Harris noted that the volunteer stipend for responding to calls would be increased from $10 to $15.
“This acknowledges our responders who are very active and do the lion’s share of the work,” Harris said.
In old business, Harris informed the commissioners that the OIFD is working to reinstate the Cadet Program for students more than 15 years of age.
“Cadets see, perhaps for the first time, what the advantage of their schoolwork is to them. The benefit to us, the community and the kids is huge,” Harris said.
The commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to sell OIFD surplus apparatus, hire a new fire medic and change Harris’ contract to reflect his request that he not receive a Cost of Living increase this year and that he be reimbursed for use of his personal vehicle at the Internal Revenue Service rate.
The OIFD Fire Commissioners have one more meeting scheduled this year on Dec. 9.
