Week in review

Fire District 11 (Rockford) – Commissioners discussed creating a fenced and locked storage area for equipment in downtown Rockford. The equipment is currently scattered in several locations. Commissioner Mike Hemken also announced that he is willing to vacate his seat if someone would like to run for the position when his term ends in November. (Source: Chief Stan Seehorn)

Valley Fire – Commissioners made mostly minor changes to 27 job descriptions. Deputy Fire Marshal and fire investigator Norm Loftin was recently certified as a Fire Plans Examiner by the International Code Congress. He is one of only two people in Washington state with the certification. Deputy Fire Marshal Clifton Mehaffey was recently commissioned by the Sheriff’s Office. (Source: Commissioner Joe Dawson)

Edgecliff SCOPE – Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputy Andy Buell spoke about the department’s bicycle patrol. Edgecliff SCOPE bought four bicycles for the patrol, which will now be used by deputies to patrol the Edgecliff neighborhood in addition to the Centennial Trail. Volunteers are also preparing to host the annual Fun in the Sun festival scheduled for Aug. 6 in Edgecliff Park. (Source: President Rick Scott)

Fire District 8 – Chief Bill Walkup made a presentation on future funding needs. Commissioners discussed putting an item on the November ballot that would raise the tax rate from $1.24 per $1,000 of assessed value to $1.50, but no decision was made. They also voted to declare two old and maintenance-intensive properties as surplus. One is a storage building in Valleyford, and the other is the former Station 83 in Mica. The station is too small for modern fire trucks and currently is used for storage. District officials met with representatives from Spokane County and negotiated access to the Palouse Highway while it is under construction so responders don’t have to use a lengthy detour. The highway will remain open to emergency vehicles only. (Source: Deputy Chief Dan Blystone)