GILPIN COUNTY — The Timberline Fire Protection District Board met on October 13, 2026, at Station 3 on Highway 119 to discuss finances, equipment repairs, wildfire mitigation, and the upcoming budget.

Chief Paul Ondr also presented firefighter Elias Arrieta with his black helmet to recognize him for completing his training requirements. Arrieta joined Timberline on March 1, 2025, and has earned his Firefighter I certification and wildland firefighting red card. He was already certified as an EMT when he joined.

Ondr explained that the black helmet marks the transition from trainee to fully qualified firefighter, recognizing the time and training it takes to get there.

Before the regular meeting, the Pension Board of Trustees discussed the cost of managing the district's volunteer firefighter pension fund.

One member questioned the approximately $16,000 in expenses and whether the district was paying too much in administrative and investment fees. The fund, closed to new members, covers about 60 former firefighters and beneficiaries.

The pension balance was about $1.53 million at the end of the second quarter. Members agreed to look further into the expenses but not make any changes during budget season.

The pension board recommended contributing at least $22,322 in 2027 to qualify for the maximum state match of $20,090. The final amount will be decided during the budget process.

The district's proposed 2027 budget does not include any additional money that could come from the passage of ballot issue 7B in November. Ondr said the budget would look quite different if the measure passes.

Station 3 is also getting closer to being completely finished. The district submitted the final payment application to the USDA, but it is still waiting for approval. A few minor repairs remain, including some generator problems covered under warranty.

Timberline responded to 81 calls in August and 76 in September. Average response times were 11 minutes and six seconds in August and 13 minutes and 46 seconds in September.

Brush 59 returned from Oregon on September 15 after six weeks of wildfire assignments. The crew has since been working on prescribed burns in Colorado.

Mitigation work around the district continues to be busy, with jobs already being booked into the third week of November. Timberline recently purchased two used trucks for the program for a total of $10,000.

Ondr also mentioned that there is plenty of free firewood available at Station 4.

Several fire engines have needed warranty repairs for electrical problems, and Tender 53 has developed a leak in its water tank. The truck is still usable while the district works with the manufacturer on repairs.

Wildland assignments have brought in substantial revenue this year. Ondr said another $182,000 is expected before the end of 2026, with approximately $165,000 likely arriving next year.

The district is preparing to recruit more volunteers, hoping to bring on 15 to 20 new members. Interviews are planned for January, with onboarding in February.

Firefighters have also been training on the new Station 3 cistern, water tender operations, and winter preparations. Five members are working toward Firefighter I certification, and one is pursuing Firefighter II.

The district's recent spaghetti dinner and movie night was a success, and Ondr hopes to make it a regular event.

The proposed 2027 budget is available for public inspection by appointment at Station 3. A public hearing is scheduled for December 14 at 6 p.m.

The next board meeting will be on November 12, 2026, at 6 p.m., following a budget workshop at 4 p.m. Both will take place at Station 3, 19126 Highway 119, Black Hawk.