Clark County Fire District 3 (CCFD3) announced that it received a clean audit from the Washington State Auditor’s Office on Nov. 20. The positive audit comes as the district begins developing its 2026 budget while managing rising operational costs.
The district is facing a 15% increase in employee health insurance premiums, higher dispatch fees and needed facility repairs, including a roof replacement at Station 35, a CCFD3 news release stated.
To meet the state’s balanced budget requirement, the Board of Fire Commissioners has begun reviewing options to adjust spending. Budget discussions are part of the district’s regular public process and will continue in open meetings.
“Receiving another clean audit shows our commitment to managing public funds responsibly,” Fire Chief Chris Drone said in the release. “At the same time, rising costs in several key areas mean we need to take a thoughtful, transparent look at our budget so we can continue providing reliable emergency services well into the future.”
The next Board of Fire Commissioners meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at Station 31, 17718 NE 159th St., Brush Prairie, will include a public hearing on the 2026 budget. Budget documents and meeting agendas are available at fire3.org.
