Council may consider fire dept. ordinance

Members of the Cathlamet Town Council may consider a proposed ordinance to govern the Cathlamet Fire Department when the council meets next Tuesday.

The fire department is operating under an ordinance from the 1930's which puts it under control of the now defunct Cathlamet Commercial Club.

The Washington State Auditor's office completed an audit of the town and fire department last year and recommended updating the ordinance to clarify command and financial control structures.

One major change in the proposed ordinance is to make the department chief a position appointed by the mayor. Currently department members elect all officers.

Under the proposed ordinance, the mayor would appoint the chief for a five-year term, and the chief would appoint an assistant chief. Department members would elect other officers.

Cathlamet Mayor George Wehrfritz said the ordinance had been developed in consultation with department members. He said he planned to meet with current Chief Jerry DeBriae to discuss issues and plans.

If the ordinance is on Tuesday's agenda, the council could hold a first reading. The second and final readings would come at the next regular meeting of the council.

The council meets on Tuesday because of the President's Day holiday next Monday.