Fire board resolution is approved

Published 12:22 pm Thursday, December 11, 2008

Voters approved a resolution in a May 17 special election to change the number of fire commissioners representing Fire District 22 from three to five.

The district, known as East Pierce Fire and Rescue, covers Lake Tapps, Bonney Lake and the Prairie Ridge area.

The resolution passed with 66 percent support in a sparsely attended turnout. A simple majority was needed for approval.

According to Pierce County election officials, fewer than 5,000 residents voted in the special election. The final tally will be certified Friday.

"We're pleased with the results of the election," East Pierce Fire and Rescue Chief Dan Packer said.

According to Packer, growth in the area requires a larger board and he noted five members will restore an appropriate level of representation without additional cost to the taxpayer.

East Pierce Commissioner and Chairman Rick Kuss said fire commissioners' duties are to manage the fire district. As volunteers from the community they are responsible for setting budgets, establishing policy and providing administrative oversight for the district they represent.

The current board of commissioners includes Kuss, Roger Coleman, Karlyne McGinnis and Patrick Claffey. Had the resolution not passed, one of the positions would have been eliminated at the end of the year.

The board has 90 days to fill the fifth position. Those interested in applying should call Nancy Keck, district secretary at East Pierce Fire and Rescue, at 253-863-1800.

Applicants must be over the age of 18 and live in the East Pierce district. Commissioners are volunteers and are elected by the board members to serve a six-year term.

East Pierce commissioners meet with the other commissioners from the Tri-District once a month. The meeting location rotates between the three districts.

The next meeting will be at 7 p.m., June 20 at the Public Safety Building, 18421 Old Buckley Highway in Bonney Lake.