Fresno County directs staff to craft reimbursement contract for Shaver Lake volunteer fire station

The Fresno County Board of Supervisors on March 25 directed staff to begin negotiating a reimbursement contract with the Shaver Lake Volunteer Fire Department so the department can complete a volunteer-built fire station.

Supervisor Nathan Magsig, who requested the item, told the board that development fees collected for the Shaver Lake area include a pot of more than $200,000 specifically identified for a new fire station and other categories that total roughly $8 million to $9 million. He said residents asked him to explore whether those funds could be used to reimburse the volunteer department for the facility under construction.

"I will make a motion and direct staff to begin to craft a reimbursement contract with the Shaver Lake Volunteer Fire Department," Supervisor Magsig said, adding the county must structure any agreement as reimbursement rather than providing an upfront advance.

A representative of the Shaver Lake Volunteer Fire Department, who said the department had raised about $150,000 and had a contractor and plans ready, told the board the group is prepared to perform the work and submit invoices under a reimbursement model. The board confirmed that the county cannot front the money and that the department would be paid after work is completed and billed.

Chairman Mendez seconded the motion. With no public opposition during the hearing, the board approved the direction to staff by unanimous voice vote. The motion requires county staff to draft contract language and return with a formal agreement for future board action.

Why it matters: The decision allows the volunteer department to proceed with construction while preserving legal and fiscal controls around the use of funds earmarked for the Shaver Lake area. County staff will need to confirm which specific fee accounts may be used and include reimbursement terms that meet county and legal requirements.

Details and next steps: County staff said they will prepare a reimbursement contract that requires the Shaver Lake Volunteer Fire Department to complete work, invoice the county and provide documentation before payment. The board did not set a dollar amount for the contract and did not approve the agreement itself; it merely authorized staff to negotiate terms and return the matter for formal approval.

Speakers included Supervisor Nathan Magsig, who moved the direction; Chairman Mendez, who seconded; and a representative of the Shaver Lake Volunteer Fire Department who described the department's fundraising and readiness to begin construction.