March Meeting
• There were 55 responder incidents in February.
• Following an executive session, the board authorized the Sonoita-Elgin Fire District attorney to negotiate a settlement offer with Santa Cruz County and the State of Arizona in connection with the theft of funds by SCC Treasurer Liz Gutfahr.
• Acting Capt. Tim Hart announced that cancer is now the leading cause of firefighter occupational deaths.
April Meeting
• There were 65 responder incidents in March, marking a continuing increase in delivery.
• Chief Marc Meredith updated the board on fiscal year 2026-2027 budget planning and plans to present the board with a draft budget during the May 18 meeting. If the board adopts the draft budget, it will be presented to the public during the June meeting, which will include a workshop session for public comment. Following public comments, the board may vote to adopt the budget.
• Due to the rise in fuel prices, Meredith has reinstated a fuel allowance for staff commuting, which will be reviewed monthly and adjusted as needed.
• The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors approved a Wildfire Protection Plan in March. It was presented to the SEFD board and adopted unanimously. Meredith identified Papago Springs and State Routes 82/83 as major risk areas. The adopted plan allows SEFD to apply for related grants.
• On April 25, SEFD welcomed about 150 people to the station to enjoy pancakes with firefighters.
Kat Crockett is a member of the Sonoita-Elgin Fire District Board of Directors.