Jackson County Fire District 5 Gets Lifeline From Fellow Firefighters
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — The board of Jackson County Fire District 3 unanimously approved an agreement with troubled Jackson County Fire District 5 on Thursday that will ensure the districts continue to operate separately but share certain services of Fire District 5.
The agreement follows months of upheaval at Fire District 3, with claims of harassment, collusion, and bullying that saw three board members resign, leaving no quorum.
Jackson County Fire District 5 Faces Serious Challenges
The board of Jackson County Fire District 5 fired its chief Charles Hanley in August after being found responsible for covering up allegations of bullying, sexual harassment, and interfering with a government promotion board.
See also: Former Jackson County Fire Chief Charles Hanley Threatens to Sue the Department
A massive financial shortfall, which could be as much as $3 million has also proved to be a challenge for the Fire District.
Serving more than 23, 000 people, District 5 operates three fire stations in Phoenix, Talent, and unincorporated Ashland.
In terms of the recent agreement, District 3, which serves about 57,000 people and operates four career fire stations in Central Point, White City, and Eagle Point and four volunteer fire stations in Gold Hill, Sams Valley, Dodge Bridge, and Agate Lake, will take over District 3’s management, financial and administrative services.
Jackson County Fire Districts Sign Agreement
The agreement, signed by District 3 on Thursday, was already approved by District 5’s board of directors on October 8. Greg Costanzo, District 5 Board Chair, confirmed that District 3 will provide full administrative and financial services, including IT and website support.
He expressed hope that the new agreement could lead to new hiring, especially for the district’s Neil Creek Road fire station, near Emigrant Lake.
Going forward, both districts will be overseen by District 3’s fire chief, Mike Hussey, in return for a monthly payment of $15,000, increasing by 8% annually.
The agreement will come into effect on January 1, 2025, and run through June 30, 2029, but earlier termination is possible. Each district remains legally separate, maintaining separate finances and boards of directors.
The press release indicated that the agreement will enhance regional collaboration and is a significant step forward in addressing the challenges faced by Fire District 5 following recent rebuilding efforts.
Costanzo said the District 5 board will focus on improving the district’s financial situation and continue their ongoing investigations. He is grateful to Fire District 3 for stepping up and said his gratitude “is not even able to be communicated right now because it is such a help.”