CKFR should look at its budget before making levy request

Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue is proposing a levy lid lift to increase revenue and meet budget requirements. Years ago, the three largest fire districts in Kitsap County commissioned a $60,000 study to determine if a merger was feasible. A merger was recommended as feasible and to result in cost savings and increased efficiency. The proposed merger never happened; reasons unknown.

Now, our fire districts request tax increases on a regular basis. I urge citizens to go to CKFR's website & review the 2024 budget and organizational chart. CKFR is bloated with administrative positions, increasing personnel costs and draining financial resources from emergency responders. The Chief Business Officer has a Purchasing Agent, Accounting Supervisor, two Accounting Specialists, Central Supply Logistics Technician, Facilities Lead, & a Facilities Assistant. The Chief Administrative Officer has a PIO/Public Educator, HR Manager, Admin. Assistant, IT Manager and IT Tech. The Board of Commissioners and Fire Chief employ a District Secretary, Executive Assistant, and Assistant Chief of Capital Projects. The administration budget for these positions in 2024 is $5.6 million. The training budget is $912,310; fire prevention is $169,570.

Good grief, is this a fire department or a private company? Training for firefighters and fire prevention are more important than administration. Consolidate some of these positions prior to asking citizens for a tax increase. CKFR must reevaluate their mission statement and make tough personnel decisions.

Teresa Fox, Bremerton

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: CKFR should look at own budget before making levy request