Captiva fire board OKs retirement changes and hears updates

The Captiva Island Fire Control District’s commission signed off on a resolution regarding the staff retirement plan at its recent meeting, plus got updates on a fire boat lift and proposed state laws.
On Feb. 13, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 to approve amendments to the Mission Square Retirement 457b plan documents and structure. Before the vote, Fire Chief Jeff Pawul explained that the changes are to the employee documents and enable staff in the plan to take out loans on their own.
Also during the meeting, he reported that the district is continuing to explore the possibility with the county of installing a lift at McCarthy’s Marina for the fire boat to get it out of the water and help extended its lifetime. On the financial side, Pawul has located a 50/50 grant that would be available.
“The dock does qualify under that grant,” he said. “We could also use impact fees.”
The grant and the impact fees, which total about $12,000, would pay for the majority of the lift.
“So, hopefully, that can cover a lot of that cost,” Pawul said.
Also at the meeting, the commission heard an update on SB 1058/HB 7013 — “Special Districts.” They initially would have required special districts, like Captiva fire, to hold a ballot referendum in 2026 to keep collecting taxes to operate. A new referendum would then be needed every 10 years.
He previously explained that voter approval each decade raises concerns, especially for financing for capital projects like replacing a fire truck. Financial institutions said they would be hesitant to lend.
Pawul reported that the Senate bill’s sponsor has deleted the referendum language.
“He made it clear that was never the intention of that bill,” he said, adding that the sponsor acknowledged he never intended to “handcuff” special districts to 10-year terms with it.
The bills would also require special districts 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 did.
Pawul reported that the sponsor is not willing to remove the review requirement. However, it would require the district to do its own review annually, then hire an outside firm every five years for it.
IN OTHER NEWS
– The district responded to 49 calls in January, compared to 33 for the same month last year.