While the Idyllwild Fire Protection District Commission deferred reviewing its financial position for fiscal 2015-16 at last week’s meeting, financial matters were the crux of the actions taken and discussed during the session. Fire Chief Patrick Reitz asked the commission to approve a resolution authorizing the district to use funds from a Volunteer Fire Assistance…

Editor’s Note: We’ll continue to profile propane company representatives and company policies in subsequent editions as well as updating pricing from companies willing to provide that information. In our edition of Nov. 24, we reviewed propane spot prices nationally and regionally, and suggested to readers that it might be to customer advantage to check before…

In order to find nearly $12 million of saving, Hawkins presented several steps, including imposing a fee for emergency medical services, closing Station 63 in Poppet Flats, and employing more two-person medic squads in place of three-person engines in rural and outlying areas (such as Garner Valley). The immediate response from the supervisors was neither enthusiastic nor complacent toward accepting Hawkins’ proposals. County Executive Jay Orr introduced the presentation and explained its intent. “We see clouds on the horizon and increased communication with the board is needed to have their direction.”

One of the issues discussed during the Idyllwild Water District rate workshop was consolidation of the three local water districts — Idyllwild, Fern Valley and Pine Cove. Greg Henry, of NBS, who conducted the rate study, explained that IWD needed a sufficient reserve balance in case of unexpected, major and expensive catastrophes. “Smaller districts need…