The Copper Canyon Fire and Medical District Governing Board recently filled two vacant board seats during its meeting on May 4.
The board had been facing the task of attempting to solve the district’s debt issue with only three members. The district’s unusual level of debt is due to a $856,000 accounting error resulting from the merger of the Camp Verde Fire District and Montezuma-Rimrock Fire District in November 2018, compounded by the construction of the $3.5 million Cherry Creek fire station in October 2019.
Camp Verde Town Councilwoman Wendy Escoffier and union representative firefighter Taylor Hammond were additional members of the interview panel. Seven qualified residents applied for the vacant positions.
The board appointed Jon Huey and Ed Gee as board members to serve for the remainder of the current term through November 2024. Mathews stated he felt Huey would be a great addition to the team, while Escoffier described him as a standout candidate.
Administrative assistant Kerrie Tarver explained that the new members will need to complete an open meeting law training program at least 24 hours prior to sitting on the board and being sworn in.
The board accepted both candidates unanimously and will now be able to discuss issues previously tabled due to lack of members.
