Context and Perspective by Tom Harris, Associate Editor
The Sentinel understands that many new residents have joined our community over the past few years, and may not be familiar with our local fire department. Following are a number of questions and facts published by the MFPD.
What is the district?
The Mosquito Fire Protection District is a Special District (unit of El Dorado county government) that provides fire protection and emergency services for the Mosquito area. The MFPD was established by voter initiative in 1978 through an election by district voters as a county tax-supported entity.
How is the MFPD governed?
The district is managed by a 5 member board of directors elected by the registered voters in the district.
Does the District have paid employees?
The District employs the following staff:
Full time Fire Chief (interim)
Part time Fire Captain (vacant)
Part time Administrative Assistant.
How many Firefighters does MFPD have?
District staffing fluctuates but the current roster is eighteen (18) volunteer firefighters as of September, 2024.
Are there other volunteers associated with the District?
MFPD is fortunate to have dedicated volunteers who play a vital role in serving the community.
1) The MFPD Support Group responds to emergencies at all hours to support
the firefighters. Currently, there are 29 members of the Support Group.
2) Board committees – community members who bring valuable practical and
administrative skills to support the board; currently about 20 volunteers.
3) The District Auxiliary (D’Ax) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to fundraising:
for MFPD to help fulfill the needs of the station.
What is the source of funding for MFPD operations?
MFPD has two primary, ongoing sources of revenue:
1) Property tax contributes approximately $180,000 per year.
2) The Special Assessment tax contributes approximately $200,000 per year.
This assessment was enacted by voters in 2001 to support the district and is
levied at $204 per parcel.
Other funding sources include:
1) Grants from various agencies/organizations. Currently the largest grant is from FEMA for the Recruitment & Retention of volunteers and will provide $666.320 over 4 years. MFPD also receives smaller grants for specific purposes, such as replacing equipment.
2) Reimbursements from other agencies when MFPD’s personnel participate on strike teams, and when MFPD responds with an engine provided by the state Office of Emergency Services (OES).
How does MFPD manage its budget?
The district operates on a fiscal year that begins July 1st. In the spring, the board, working with the Chief, prepares the district budget. Under state law, the revenues and expenditures must balance. The board holds several public meetings to ensure the public has an opportunity to speak to the district’s fiscal management. The district uses the county financial system to manage payroll, bill payment and deposits. The county financial system is operated, managed and overseen by the elected county auditor. At each MFPD board meeting, the board approves expenditures and revenues as part of their management responsibility.
Is the MVFA a part of MFPD?
No, the Mosquito Volunteer Fire Association (MVFA) is a self-supporting, autonomous organization completely independent of the MFPD.
From 1972 to late 2006, the MVFA was the Mosquito Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD), and worked hand in hand with the MFPD. In 1997, the state offered the Finnon Lake property to MVFD after condemning the dam because of its unknown seismic stability. MVFD acquired the property with the intent to restore the dam and ensure a reliable source of water for fire suppression.
In 2005, MVFD applied for reorganization as a 501(c)(3) public benefit organization and was approved as such on October 20, 2007. In late 2006, the name MVFD was changed to the Mosquito Volunteer Fire Association (MVFA).
The objective of MVFA is to promote fire safety awareness, community support and volunteerism in the Mosquito District, to continue to manage and maintain the MVFA’s assets such as its largest, Finnon Lake Recreation Area, and to assist firefighters and promote the good and welfare of the community. MVFA has always worked hand in hand with MFPD, and its support continues today. For more info check https://www.mfpd.us/
A debt of gratitude is due to all the past and present volunteers in this community, which was built on volunteerism and hard work. More information about MVFA is available at www.gomvfa.org.
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