Council approves sending fire department annexation to voters; ordinance intent also approved

The Tekoa City Council voted April 20 to place a measure on the ballot proposing annexation of the city fire department into Whitman County Fire Protection District No. 1 and approved an ordinance stating the city’s intent to annex.

Donavon Chase presented information about the annexation and councilmembers subsequently approved Proposition 1 to put the question to voters. The roll-call vote on the proposition passed with Councilmember Shelly Ausmus dissenting. The council then approved Ordinance No. 911 stating the city’s intent to join the Whitman County Fire Protection District; the ordinance passed on roll call with the same dissent from Ausmus.

Councilmembers discussed potential financial support should voters approve the annexation. Councilmembers noted a possible transfer of $20,000 for 2027 to the fire district but decided to revisit that funding only after the ballot measure outcome is known.

Ausmus explained her no votes by pointing to timing and cost concerns. As recorded, "she voted no because she would like to have the amount the ballot will cost when it is on the August ballot, and she would like it on the November ballot."

The council did not adopt a final funding transfer at the meeting; members said the transfer decision will be considered after the election results.

What happens next: The annexation proposition will appear on the ballot as directed by the council and the city will follow statutory processes for any post-election funding transfers if the measure passes.