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Board weighs equipping reserve truck and hybrid paid/volunteer rescue coverage
Summary
Supervisors discussed equipping an extra county truck as a centrally located backup/rescue unit (estimated 'a little over $100,000') and debated options for combining limited paid daytime crews with volunteer companies to improve daytime coverage; staff and the fire board will return with a detailed plan and cost estimates.
Board members and staff discussed a proposal to equip a reserved county truck and station it centrally to serve as a backup or centrally deployed rescue vehicle. A supervisor estimated the cost of fully equipping a reserve truck at "a little over a $100,000," and members said the truck could serve as a fallback if a primary engine was out of service.
The conversation also addressed larger operational changes tied to recruitment and paid daytime crews. Some members urged that any plan be worked through with the fire board and the county's fire chief (Kent) before the board commits funds. One member recommended the fire board bring back a recommended plan and associated funding proposals; others asked staff to explore alternatives to avoid an immediate $100,000 expense if possible.
The board did not make a funding decision at the workshop; instead members asked staff and the fire board to provide cost estimates, operational details, and alternatives for review at a future meeting.
