Matlock Fire 12 appoints Nick Jones commissioner

Fire District 12 commissioners appointed Nick Jones, who was the only elected member of the previous board, for the position 3 vacancy at the Aug. 28 regular meeting.

Commissioner Dave Persell resigned at the Aug. 14 meeting.

In May, Fire 12 lost its insurance coverage due to mismanagement, was declared a disaster area by the county and saw commissioners Kelli Walsworth and Cinda Compton, who were appointed by the previously recalled board in 2023, resign along with Jones.

“We received a total whopping number of one application for this open position … Nick Jones,” Commissioner Trina Young said.

Persell said when he resigned that he hoped the board would pick Jones to replace him, saying Jones “fell on his sword for our community. He deserves to be on the board.”

Before going into special session, commissioners questioned Jones.

Young asked him what he hoped to do this time that the previous board prevented.

“Strive for a better fire department. And get the community back their fire department,” he said.

Commissioner Steven Ingram asked Jones about his priorities for the district.

“I just continue the mission that the district has right now. Continue on with the plans that are being pursued,” Jones said.

Mason County Auditor Steve Duenkel attended the meeting and offered to swear in Jones, who then immediately took a seat with the board.

Fire Association 7.0 board forms

Persell announced he will be the president of a new fire association, Mason County Fire District 12 Fire Association 7.0.

The seven-member board’s mission statement is to support and raise money for the interest of the Mason County Fire District 12, increase professionalism within the Fire District 12 community, foster community support and provide opportunities for volunteers to play a role in enhancing MCFD 12,” according to Persell.

“We will be active,” he said.

The new association is in the process of getting nonprofit status, Persell said. “It’s nice to know we have a community support group to help the fire department out. That’s much appreciated.” Young said.

The association announced a free pig roast barbecue at the Matlock Grange at 5 p.m. Sept. 21.

The event is an appreciation for members of the community, according to a news release.

Randy Bands plays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The event is not a fundraiser, but $25 per person or $50 per household yearly fire association memberships will be accepted.

L & I hands down fines

Acting Chief Mike Brown said the district has been assessed around $45,000 in fines as a result of a Labor & Industries inspection in April, before the current board took over.

“We are going to appeal it and see if we can get the fines dropped down as low as we can get them. They do understand that it’s not the people that are here,” Brown said.