Orcas Fire & Rescue Faces Decision on New Financial Officer

by Cara Russell

On Wednesday September 18, the Board of Fire Commissioners held a special meeting at Station 21 in Eastsound, mainly to discuss financial matters.

Two personnel changes were announced: that Paul Turner, County Deputy Fire Marshall, was no longer employed by Orcas Fire and Rescue as of Sept. 13, 2013;  and the resignation of Financial Officer Sally Kass.

Orcas Fire and Rescue Chief and CEO Kevin O’Brien said that he was unable to comment on Turner’s departure. Kass is resigning for personal reasons; Chief O’Brien recommended that Mark Horaski, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), be awarded a short-term contract (through Dec. 31, 2013) to replace Kass.

O’Brien introduced Horaski to the Orcas Fire and Rescue Board of Commissioners, and cited his past experience with Horaski, working together at the Valley Regional Fire Authority in Auburn (Wash.)

O’Brien said that Horaski would be an asset “in helping us get through this transition period, in light of the complexity of… our budget.” O’Brien cited the $2 million size of the budget, more frequent required audits, the nearly-100 members of the Fire and Rescue Department and the funding levy which expires in 2014.

O’Brien added that Horaski, as Director of Finance and Administration for the Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA) is in charge of finances, payroll, and budgeting; Horaski was also involved in the VRFAs development as a new fire authority, which replaced the Auburn Fire Department.

Following the Sept. 18 special  meeting, O’Brien added that Horasaki played a critical role in developing the business infrastructure and practices of the newly formed VRFA. Since 2006, the VRFA has been successful at passing all voter approved funding measures, constructing two new fire stations and refurbishing one fire station. Horasaki manages a budget of over $20,000,000.

He would work “at a distance similar to [the way previous Financial Officer Rick Anda] worked,” O’Brien said. Long-term, O’Brien sees Horaski also in charge of the Orcas Fire and Rescue budget analysis and assist in the final development of a long term financial plan, a human resources plan, and a 30-year capital facilities plan.

“I believe hiring Mark [Horaski] would be a smart move,” O’Brien advised the District Commissioners. He suggested that the assignment would be re-evaluated at the end of 2013.

Commissioner Clyde Duke said to Horaski, “We appreciate you stepping up in our urgency.”

The board is scheduled to take action on O’Brien’s recommendation at its next regular meeting, scheduled for Oct. 8, 2013.

For further information, contact 376-2331.