Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting - March 3, 2026

This meeting of the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Board of Fire Commissioners, held on March 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., covered routine consent items, badge pinning for new firefighters, a comprehensive presentation on wildland fuels management and the 2026 fire season outlook, reports from the firefighters' union and the fire chief, and a financial update. The board also heard public comment regarding business inspection practices.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the meeting minutes from February 3, 2026.
• Approved a Supply and Medication Reimbursement Agreement with the Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority (REMSA) for an initial term until June 30, 2027, with successive one-year renewals, authorizing the Fire Chief to execute the agreement.
• Approved an agreement with Eide Bailly LLP for independent audit services for FY 2025-2026 in the amount of $94,000, plus a federal expenditure audit fee of $14,100 per major program if required, authorizing the Fire Chief to execute audit documentation before March 30, 2026.
• Approved Amendment #1 to the interfacility ambulance transfer agreement with Northern Nevada Medical Center and Northern Nevada Sierra Medical Center, extending the term for three years and updating billing requirements, and repealed outdated Ambulance Billing Rate Sheets from December 17, 2019, and July 11, 2023.
• Ratified an agreement with the American Heart Association to accept up to $6,000 in funding through the Special Initiative Participation Incentive Program for the period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, authorizing participation and retroactive execution of related documents.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Carl Overmeyer, a 30-year resident of Washoe County, expressed concern about what he termed "bureaucratic creep" in fire inspection practices. He stated he had operated two businesses from his residence for almost five years and recently received a bill and new inspection requirements. He urged the board not to "beat up on businesses" and suggested raising property taxes if more revenue is needed, rather than penalizing business owners.

Badge Pinning and Employee Introductions

• The board recognized five firefighters who completed a 16-week fire academy and a 365-day probationary period: Corey Ackerman (paramedic, former U.S. Air Force), Brock Harmon (former hotshot crew member), Kyle Harris (former REMSA paramedic), Rylee Retzer (fourth-generation firefighter, paramedic), and Thomas Witzmann (advanced EMT, former wildland firefighter). Each was pinned with a personalized badge by a family member.
• Logistics Supply Specialist James Flint was recognized for his role in supporting firefighter operations, equipment, and PPE decontamination.
• New Fire Marshal Jennifer Williamson (over 20 years in fire prevention) and finance team members Simona Parton (payroll specialist) and Rachel McFarland (accounts receivable and grants specialist) were introduced and welcomed.

Wildland Division Report on Fuels Management and 2026 Fire Season Outlook

• Division Chief August Eisenhagen reported on 2025 accomplishments: 460 acres treated through grant work, hazardous fuels mitigated at over 1,200 power poles (partnership with NV Energy and Liberty Utilities), 47 acres treated by prescribed fire, and nearly $5 million in external funding secured.
• Community programs: 106 citizens participated in curbside chipping; over 1,200 burn permits issued (covering ~6,500 cubic yards); 340 defensible space inspections completed; three new Firewise communities; and nearly 800 Christmas trees recycled.
• Wildland response: The division spent over 1,200 individual days on wildland incidents (district-wide: over 1,700 days). Washoe County saw just under 5,000 acres burned in 2025, considered a normal year.
• Don Johnson (National Weather Service) presented weather data: Snow water equivalent in the Truckee, Carson, and Tahoe basins ranged from 60-70% of median; precipitation totals were 110-120% of normal. The winter of 2025-2026 was the second warmest on record. Soil moisture is 125-165% of normal, increasing flood risk if warm, wet systems arrive. Summer outlook leans warmer and drier, with ENSO neutral conditions favoring near-normal monsoonal activity.
• Chief Eisenhagen noted that due to above-average rain but low snowpack, conditions for fire season are unusual: cheat grass in valleys will thrive, but timber at higher elevations will be more water-stressed because snow levels are high. He emphasized that most fire starts are human-caused, and urged the public to prepare defensible space and harden homes now.
• Commissioner Herman noted that some cattle grazers are not grazing in the North Valleys, potentially increasing fuel loads.

Firefighters' Union (IAFF Local 2487) Report

• Mark Thyer, President of Local 2487, thanked commissioners who met with him and highlighted the cooperative relationship. He announced the 14th annual Guns and Hoses Golf Tournament in April, benefiting the Northern Nevada Children's Cancer Foundation. He expressed pride in seeing probationary firefighters complete their training, noting he instructed their academy.

Fire Chief's Report

• Chief Edwards reported on the construction of new Fire Station 35, with a ribbon-cutting planned for July 2026.
• A drone program, in partnership with the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, has launched drones at Stations 45 and 46. The drones serve as first responders for public safety, providing early fire intelligence. Chief Sweak noted that the drones are housed in enclosed landing pads on station rooftops and have already been credited with assisting in a law enforcement incident.
• A new interlocal agreement with Washoe County is being developed to improve coordination and fiscal processes for volunteer fire services.
• Monthly response statistics for January 2026 were presented, now using a new federal reporting system (NERES). Mutual aid data: Reno arrived at Truckee Meadows calls 194 times; Truckee Meadows arrived at Reno calls 249 times. Sparks arrived at Truckee Meadows calls 27 times; Truckee Meadows arrived at Sparks calls 82 times.
• Responding to a question from Vice Chair Garcia about double dispatch, Chief Edwards stated that the Hexagon dispatch system is delayed until at least July, and conversations have begun about creating a regional dispatch center, modeled after a successful Clark County project.

Financial Presentation on FY 2025-2026 Status (as of January 31, 2026)

• CFO Crystal Sublett reported that revenues are at 60.2% of the annual budget, with property tax collections totaling $23.6 million and consolidated tax payments of $5.1 million received.
• Expenditures are at 51.3% of total budget ($29.8 million spent), running favorable against the expected 58% at this point in the fiscal year. Salaries, wages, and benefits account for 79% of general fund expenditures.
• The drafting timeline for the FY 2026-2027 budget was outlined: a preliminary tentative budget to the board on April 7, 2026; a public hearing and final adoption expected May 19, 2026; with a backup date of May 26, 2026, and submission to the Department of Taxation by June 1, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda items (5A through 5E) were approved unanimously.
• The board took no action on non-action items 6-11, but received information and reports.
• The meeting recessed for a closed session under NRS 288.220 to discuss labor issues, to be followed by a final public comment period and adjournment.