Skagit County Fire District 13 commissioners will hold a special meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, at the Snee-Oosh Road station to discuss a possible levy lid lift for the November ballot.
Commissioners will weigh whether to pursue a “lid lift,” which would increase the local property tax levy rate to support district operations. The proposal follows a series of three open houses in June at the Snee-Oosh and Summit Park stations and Shelter Bay clubhouse, where District 13 leaders shared updates on services and equipment and heard feedback from residents within the district, which covers the Swinomish Reservation and rural La Conner.
The board will also discuss the potential adoption of ESO, an integrated software platform designed for emergency medical services, fire departments and hospitals.
“I liked the meet-and-greets,” said Commissioner John Doyle at the board’s regular monthly meeting July 10. “They were a throwback to our old oyster and salmon feeds. These are important community connection events. I’d like for it to be a more regular thing.”
Commissioner J.J. Wilbur suggested holding a future open house north or east of La Conner town limits to engage more residents. Wilbur is also a Swinomish Indian Tribal Community senator and La Conner School Board member.
At the July 10 meeting, commissioners also authorized Fire Chief Wood Weiss to write a letter supporting La Conner Hook & Ladder’s grant application to fund solar panel installation at its station near the roundabout. Weiss noted a previous Swinomish grant helped fund solar upgrades at the district’s Snee-Oosh facility.
Capt. Ted Taylor, the district’s emergency management coordinator, announced a major emergency drill planned for late September. The exercise will simulate a local disaster and include coordination with Swinomish Police to develop an evacuation strategy. Taylor cited recent deadly flash flooding in Texas as a reminder of the importance of preparedness.
“With the Guadalupe River incident in mind,” Taylor said, “we need to be ready.”
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter who covers Town government, schools, and spot news.
