10/16/2026
A Message to Our Community
Central Mason Fire & EMS is facing significant financial challenges as we prepare for the 2027 budget year. I want to be transparent with our community about the difficult decisions ahead.
On August 4, our community passed the fire district levy-lid lift, and we are incredibly grateful for your support. However, at the end of August, the District was notified of a reduction in federal funding we had come to rely on. This loss, combined with rising operational costs, has created a significant budget shortfall.
For years, we have worked hard to make the most of the resources available to us. However, we have reached a point were continuing to operate this way is not sustainable. We need to find a better, long-term approach to funding the fire and emergency medical services our community depends on.
These challenges are not unique to Central Mason Fire & EMS. Fire departments across Washington are facing similar financial pressures, and the current funding structure is not keeping pace with the cost of providing these essential services. While fixing this larger issue will take time, we are committed to finding solutions and exploring every reasonable option available to us.
The District has announced staffing reductions, but the exact number of positions affected has not been finalized as we continue impact bargaining with our labor union.
As Fire Chief, one of the hardest parts of this situation is knowing the impact these decisions have on our members, their families, and our community. We care deeply about our people, and we do not want to lose any of our firefighters. They show up every day, answer the call, and dedicate themselves to protecting this community. They are more than employees; they are family.
We are actively exploring additional revenue opportunities and other solutions to minimize the impact on our staffing and services. We have a responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars while providing the best possible emergency services, and I am committed to doing everything I can to honor both responsibilities.
Thank you for your continued support of Central Mason Fire & EMS and the men and women who dedicate themselves to serving you. Our financial challenges are real, but our commitment to this community remains unchanged.
Brandon Searles
Fire Chief
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