Southeast Thurston Fire Authority is considering action on hiring a new full-time assistant fire chief, filling a position that has been vacant for almost seven years.
If the budget allows, fire chief Mark King said the board of commissioners hopes to screen candidates in early 2019 and have the position filled by October. He said he estimates the position’s salary at around $115,000.
Funding for the position was cut in 2011 due to budget restraints, King said. Commissioners for the Southeast Thurston Fire Authority have already budgeted the allotted salary out in the 2019 budget, but are still in discussion as to whether they can sustain the position. The budget was passed on Nov. 7, King said.
“I’m concerned we’re still not as financially healthy as we’d like to be before we take on more personnel,” said Commissioner Steven Slater.