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Carbon County postpones Fire Warden job-change agreement to March 10
Summary
The board discussed a voluntary change to the Fire Warden position, shifting duties toward training and grant work and reducing the workweek; commissioners asked for clarification of reporting lines and legal authority and postponed final approval to March 10, 2026.
The Carbon County Board of County Commissioners postponed consideration of a voluntary job-description change and hours-reduction agreement for Fire Warden Tom Kohley to its March 10 meeting.
Kohley proposed changing the position title from Rural Fire Chief to Fire Warden, moving the role toward training, grant writing and administrative duties, and reducing the workweek to four days. He said he would coordinate subdivision fire reviews with the fire chiefs in each district rather than personally handling all reviews.
Administrative Officer Angela Newell said she and Kohley are addressing the county’s approach to subdivision fire review. Commissioners discussed whether the Fire Warden should report to the county’s DES (Director of Emergency Services) or the Administrative Officer; the transcript records that the Fire Warden would report back to the DES Director, who would relay information to the Administrative Officer. Commissioners noted it may be essential for the Commission and Administrative Office to retain oversight of the Fire Warden’s reports.
Commissioner Bill Bullock moved to postpone approval of the agreement; Commissioner Scott Blain seconded and the motion carried. The item is scheduled for the March 10, 2026 agenda at 9:30 a.m. for further consideration.
The discussion included a direction for Kohley to explore the legal authority and requirements for both the Fire Warden and the County Rural Fire Chief before the next meeting. No final personnel action or vote on the job-description change occurred at this meeting.
