Idyllwild Fire Protection District (IFPD) Commissioner Ralph Hoetger resigned at the end of the April 27 IFPD Board of Commissioners meeting. Hoetger sold his home and is moving out of the district. The district posted the vacancy that week.
The deadline to submit a resume/CV and cover letter articulating interest in becoming a board member is 5 p.m. Saturday, May 15.
“The Board has the option of appointing a replacement at the May meeting, however, I do not know if they will make that determination then or at a later date and time,” wrote Chief Mark LaMont.
The board unanimously approved the FY 2021/22 budget, the financial audit, the purchase of a new ambulance and an advance in property tax money from the county. Commissioner Christina Reitz was absent.
The budget approved by the board is included with this story.
The board approved the purchase of a new ambulance not to exceed $219,000.
“I am awaiting a few more numbers to ensure that we are once again getting the best possible value,” wrote LaMont. “I am working on several finance options, and the cash flow effects and possibility of a cash purchase.”

LaMont told the board the district runs into a cash crunch near end of the fiscal year waiting for the Mutual Aid reimbursements to come in. The approved resolution reads: “Whereas, the Idyllwild Fire Protection District has limited funds and revenues available for the payment of expenditures during July 01 – December 31, 2021; and whereas, the district is permitted to request from the county an advancement on the funds collected during the fiscal year on behalf of the district; Now, therefore, be it resolved that we, the board of fire commissioners do and hereby, request, an advancement of district funds in the amount of $400,000 from Riverside County.”