BLACK HAWK — The Timberline Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday, May 12, at Station 3 in Black Hawk.

Firefighters discussed joining the International Association of Firefighters, board members approved the purchase of a mitigation skid steer, and district staff provided updates on the ongoing Station 3 funding process.

Board President Rick Wenzel and Chief Paul Ondr attended virtually.

IAFF discussion

One of the evening’s largest discussions centered around Timberline firefighters pursuing affiliation with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) and the Colorado Professional Firefighters association.

Firefighter Josh Colgan explained that staff had previously believed joining the organization required a collective bargaining agreement, something they did not want because of the department’s positive relationship with leadership.

“And we were under the impression that in order to affiliate with the IFF, we needed a collective bargaining agreement, which we did not want,” Colgan said. “We didn't want anything to get in the way of our relationship with the chiefs.”

After learning that was not required, firefighters began seriously considering membership.

Colgan said the organization provides benefits related to line-of-duty deaths, legal assistance, cancer and cardiac coverage advocacy, behavioral health support, peer support training, and grant assistance. He noted firefighters face significantly higher risks of cancer and heart disease than the general public.

The firefighters would pay their own dues and no district funds would be used. Colgan also emphasized that the group is not seeking collective bargaining rights.

“We really don't think there's any negatives for us or the rest of the department because we haven't forgotten where we came from,” Colgan said.

Wenzel voiced support for the idea. “It sounds like a good thing,” he said. “Is there anything that the board can do to support this?”

Administrative Chief Jennifer Hinderman said a representative from Colorado Professional Firefighters could attend a future meeting to speak with the board in more detail. Board members agreed they would like to hear the presentation.

Financials and lease purchase

During the treasurer’s report, Ondr said Timberline received all of its 2025 wildland deployment reimbursements, totaling more than originally anticipated.

Hinderman later reviewed the district’s draft repayment plan for Lease Purchase No. 2, tied to the Station 3 project. Timberline currently owes about $1.19 million to Holman Capital.

“Our financials are in limbo,” Hinderman said while discussing the district’s grant reimbursements and repayment schedule.

The district recently received its first USDA reimbursement payment of about $450,000. Hinderman said the district expects to stay on track with repayment despite uncertainty surrounding the remaining grant reimbursements.

Wenzel noted the district is still roughly $100,000 short for 2026 repayment goals.

Hinderman also said district funds earn significantly more interest through the ColoTrust account than standard banking accounts, and staff would like to move additional funds there when possible.

Mitigation equipment approved

The board unanimously approved the purchase of a 2021 Vermeer S925 TX mini skid steer with grapple and bucket for the mitigation program.

Ondr said the equipment will help crews move logs more efficiently, reduce injuries, and speed up mitigation projects. The district negotiated the purchase price down to $26,000.

The machine will also be used around district stations for landscaping and snow removal. The funding will come from mitigation program revenues, which staff said are ahead of projections this year.

Station 3 update

District leaders said construction at Station 3 is nearly complete, though reimbursement paperwork with USDA continues to create delays.

Ondr said Timberline has received one USDA check for about half the money currently owed.

Hinderman described ongoing frustrations between USDA and contractor KCI regarding the project’s “schedule of values,” essentially the project budget breakdown. The USDA representatives asked KCI to redefine the schedule.

“The meeting got heated but mellowed out toward the end,” Hinderman said while summarizing a recent discussion between USDA officials and KCI representatives.

Despite the paperwork issues, the physical construction is nearing completion. Staff said drainage work and electrical repairs are wrapping up, and KCI expects to largely finish work within the next week.

Wenzel said he plans to reconnect with Congressman Joe Neguse’s office for additional assistance navigating the federal process.

Chief’s report

Ondr reported Timberline responded to 38 calls in April, a relatively slow month compared to recent activity. Average response time was 12 minutes and 11 seconds.

Station 3 is now actively responding to calls with both a brush truck and water tender assigned there.

Mitigation crews remain busy with residential work and ongoing projects in Pinecliffe. Timberline has also received all 2025 deployment funds related to wildland assignments.

Ondr said the district’s first community presentation regarding a possible future mill levy was well attended and positively received.

“At least in that room, the community would support the mill levy,” Ondr said.

The board also welcomed new volunteer firefighter Blake Watson, who recently joined the department and commutes from Colorado Springs.

The next regular meeting of the Timberline Fire Protection District Board is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Station 3, 19126 Highway 119, Black Hawk. A workshop will be held beforehand at 4 p.m.