The Captiva Island Fire Control District’s commission signed off on a resolution to get rid of old equipment as its recent meeting, as well as was updated on proposed state bills and a new state law.

On Jan. 11, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 to dispose of assets that were surplus district equipment and held no value and were no longer of use. Before the vote, Fire Chief Jeff Pawul reported that they were a Rocket wifi system and a Medlight Transport Deluxe — a storage box for the truck.

Also during the meeting, Pawul reported on two bills, SB 1058/HB 7013 — “Special Districts.”

He explained that HB 7013 was filed first and recently the companion Senate bill was filed. They would require special districts, like Captiva fire, to hold a ballot referendum in 2026 in order to keep collecting taxes to continue operations. A new referendum would then be required every 10 years.

Passage of the bills would also limit the office terms for special district electors to no more than 12 consecutive years and would require the district to conduct the new state-mandated performance review annually versus every five years. The district had to budget $50,000 for the first one that it just had.

“But the referendum is the biggest issue,” Pawul said.

He explained that voter approval each decade raises concerns, especially about financing for capital projects like replacing a fire truck. Financial institutions said they would be hesitant to extend lending.

In addition, the bills would not allow districts to use funds to educate voters on the referendum.

“So we’ll see where this goes,” Pawul said.

Also at the meeting, the commission received an update on the new state law regarding financial disclosures that went into effect on Jan. 1. It requires certain local electors to now file Form 6 with the Florida Commission on Ethics rather than the previous Form 1, which is a less detailed disclosure.

Pawul reported that as of now, the new law does not apply to the commissioners.

“It’s only being applied to municipalities, not special districts,” he said.

IN OTHER NEWS

– Pawul reported on a recent fire on Upper Captiva that has since been attributed to a generator mounted on a wooden deck, versus on a non-combustible surface or pad as required per standards.

“I know we have them out here,” he said of similar setups on the island.

Due to the safety concern, the district plans to release information to educate the community.

– Pawul reported on a recent explosion at a condo building on Marco Island, which has since been determined to be the result of storm surge deteriorating the underground electrical components.

“I know we have places that have their power coming in from underground, too,” he said.

Again, the district plans to release information to educate the community.

– Pawul reported that staff was able to conduct some training over Christmas and New Year’s at the Harbourside Hotel at South Seas as the building is scheduled for demolition. In addition, Captiva Island Inn owner Sandy Stilwell will allow them to conduct training at that property before it is torn down.

“So we’re grateful for that opportunity,” he said.

– The district responded to 43 calls for service in December.

“December wasn’t super busy,” Pawul said.