The Fire District is overseen by a Board of Fire Commissioners made up of three elected officials. These Commissioners serve as the community’s representatives and are responsible for the governance, budget, and policy decisions of the District.

The authority and structure of the Board are established by Chapter 52.14 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Fire Commissioners are elected at-large and serve staggered six-year terms to ensure continuity and long-term leadership.

Board Meetings: The Board of Fire Commissioners meets twice a month at 4:00 PM:

• First Meeting: Held on the first or second Monday of each month.
• Second Meeting: Held on the third Thursday of each month.

All meetings are open to the public and are held at the District’s headquarters: Station 210 – 1304 Dale Avenue, Benton City, WA 99320.

We welcome residents to attend and participate in these meetings to stay informed about District matters.

What is a Fire Commissioner? Fire Commissioners are elected by the public to govern the Fire District. Their primary responsibilities include:

• Approving the annual budget.
• Establishing and reviewing District policies.
• Overseeing administrative and operational priorities.
• Representing the Fire District in community and regional matters.

Commissioners are expected to attend all board meetings and stay actively engaged in the operations and strategic direction of the District.

How to become a Fire Commissioner? To run for a Fire Commissioner position, candidates must:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be a registered voter.
• Reside within the boundaries of the Fire District.

Prospective candidates must file a Declaration of Candidacy with the county auditor during the designated filing period. If more than two candidates file for the same seat, a primary election will be held in August, followed by a general election in November.

Are there any additional duties of a Fire Commissioner? In addition to board responsibilities, our commissioners are active members of the Washington State Fire Commissioners Association. They also:

• Represent the District at public and community events.
• Support and attend District-sponsored programs and initiatives.
• Serve as liaisons between the Fire District and the public.

Their role extends beyond governance—they serve as visible leaders within the community.

Do Fire Commissioners get paid? Fire Commissioners do not receive a salary. However, they are compensated in accordance with state law for time spent on official duties:

• Commissioners receive $161 per day (or portion thereof) when attending meetings or conducting District business.
• Annual compensation is capped at $15,456.
• Commissioners may also be reimbursed for minor expenses incurred while performing their duties.

These compensation limits are set by RCW 52.14.010, and the amounts are adjusted every five years by the Washington State Office of Financial Management based on inflation and cost-of-living indexes.

Overview of salaries and compensation for local elected officials in Washington State (MRSC).

For more information about governance, compensation, and the role of Fire Commissioners in Washington State, please visit the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) or consult the Washington State Register for updates on compensation adjustments.

CURRENT FIRE COMMISSIONER COMPENSATION

Salary Increases Effective July 1 for Many Special Purpose District Officials