Orcas Island Fire Department Chief Mike Harris announced on July 8 that the Fire/Medic local union members Valerie Harris, Mik Presz and Patrick Shelpler have formally presented the proposal to divide the Assistant Fire Chief duties into three positions, with a suggested interim start date of August 1, 2008.

The Fire/Medics have also proposed a start time of Jan. 1, 2009. Their current contract expires on Dec. 31, 2008.

Their proposal, in which the Assistant Chief’s duties are divided among three Division Chiefs, has been presented to the Volunteers Association, and to the public at two previous Fire Commission meetings.

Part of the union’s proposal is that a fourth paramedic be hired, to eliminate current overtime shifts, and to become familiar with the Division Chief duties in each area.

During public comment, several speakers questioned the lack of financial information regarding the proposal.

Commissioner Clyde Duke said that such information would be available to the public “in the future.”

The next public meeting of the Orcas Island Fire District Commissioners is July 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Eastsound Fire Hall.