GILPIN COUNTY — The Timberline Fire Protection District marked a milestone on April 15, 2026, raising the American flag for the first time at Station 3 before the regular board meeting.

Board members, staff, and attendees gathered outside the new station along Highway 119 to watch the flag go up. The moment was brief but symbolic, signaling how close the long-running project is to completion.

Inside, the board called the meeting to order and moved quickly through routine business, including approval of minutes and financials. 

Bonuses tied to Station 3 work

The board spent significant time discussing how to recognize the work that brought Station 3 to life.

Vice Chair John Bushey said he wanted to direct funds toward Chiefs Paul Ondr and Jennifer Hinderman for the “immense amount of work they performed.” 

Board members agreed the project demanded extraordinary effort. “I don’t think we could possibly compensate you… but I think we should reward them in some fashion,” one member said. 

Ondr acknowledged the gesture but urged caution. He pointed to ongoing financial uncertainty, including delays in federal reimbursements and upcoming costs like a possible election and equipment needs. 

The board ultimately approved a motion to allocate up to $10,000 for one-time bonuses, to be distributed after the project is complete and finances are reviewed.

“We appreciate it,” said Ondr. “Thank you,” added Hinderman. 

Frustration over federal funding delays

Despite visible progress at the station, frustration continues over delayed payments and red tape tied to a USDA federal grant.

“The money is in the bank, with our name on it,” the chiefs said, questioning why reimbursement has not been released. 

As of the meeting, none of the roughly $908,000 in congressionally-directed funding had been received. 

Board members discussed escalating the issue, including contacting higher-level officials. The process was described as “some of the most incredible bureaucracy” the department has encountered. 

Construction nearing completion

Even with funding delays, construction at Station 3 is wrapping up.

Punch list items are being addressed, including stairwell gaps, bollard alignment, and door hardware. The elevator certification was expected within days, and crews have already begun using the apparatus bays.

A major setback involving incorrect cistern piping required sections of concrete and water lines to be redone. The error did not cost the district anything, as it did not meet the original specifications.

“KCI has been wonderful, we are sad to see them go,” Hinderman said of the contractor. 

Ondr echoed that sentiment, noting the contractor’s patience despite delayed payments.

Busy month for calls and mitigation

The department responded to 110 calls in March, about 60 more than the same time last year. Average response time was 9 minutes and 14 seconds. 

Wildland mitigation work continues to surge.

“We are financially on target, but timewise a little behind,” Ondr said of ongoing projects. 

The district is also considering new software to manage the growing workload, with an estimated annual cost of $3,000.

Ondr noted that anyone can pick up free firewood at Station 4, located at 448 Pine Drive, Black Hawk, which originates from ongoing mitigation efforts across the district.

Looking ahead

The department recently onboarded 12 new recruits and continues to pursue grant funding for equipment and protective gear. 

The staff is also organizing a community focus group on May 11 to gather feedback on a potential ballot measure.

The Timberline Fire Protection District Board of Directors will hold its next regular meeting on May 12, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Station 3, 19126 Highway 119 in Black Hawk.