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Your firefighters believe in the democratic process and the importance of civic engagement. We are concerned by a recent presentation by the City of Camas Finance Director, which seems to contradict the intentions of voters who approved the passage of Proposition 2. See the photos in this post for a press release with further information.
1 CommentComment on Facebook
This isn’t what the voters voted for. These actions by an unelected official should be illegal
Your firefighters believe in the democratic process and the importance of civic engagement. We are concerned by a recent presentation by the City of Camas Finance Director, which seems to contradict the intentions of voters who approved the passage of Proposition 2. See the photos in this post for a press release with further information.
8 CommentsComment on Facebook
Taxpayers Have Had Enough It is time for taxpayers to stand up to an unelected staff leader who has exercised unchecked authority and steered millions of public dollars toward vanity projects while core public safety has been neglected. Millions were poured into remodeling Crown Park, installing a splash pad, building an $8 million roundabout that many consider dysfunctional and unsafe, and upgrading library office furniture. All of this happened while police and fire staffing was treated as optional. Camas Fire had the funding years ago to staff three-person engines. That decision was available. It was ignored. Public safety was deprioritized in favor of projects that offered optics instead of protection. Now, this same official is actively urging the City Council to once again disregard the will of the voters by drafting a proposal to reduce the RFA contribution in 2027. This is not budget refinement. It is an attempt to unravel a voter-approved initiative and shift the burden back onto taxpayers and firefighters who already carry enough risk. This pattern is not accidental. It reflects a mindset that believes voters can be overridden, public safety can wait, and accountability does not apply to unelected power. Taxpayers in both cities must draw a firm line. The Council should be compelled to remove the Director of Finance from her duties through a formal vote of no confidence. Continued tolerance of this behavior signals approval, and taxpayers have made it clear they no longer approve. Residents should immediately contact their City Council members and demand a public explanation, a formal vote of no confidence, and a clear commitment to protect voter-approved public safety funding. Silence now guarantees more of the same.
What does this entirely mean?
Getting out in front of this and making Camas citizens aware early is imperative. Thank you! Any and all consideration of reducing the $0.71/$1000 contribution to the voter approved RFA is unacceptable and a failure to represent the voters' decision. At some point, the City of Camas must explore and implement priority funding in the budget, based on what the voters prioritize. Yes, this means that if cuts have to be made, lower priority programs, will need to be cut to come within budget constraints. The notion of considering public safety cuts and trying to retroactively change the details of the plan, for which voters approved, is an inexcusable act of irresponsibility. This should sound an alarm with all Camas citizens.
A Message from East Clark Professional Firefighters – IAFF Local 2444
Tonight, we extend our deepest gratitude to the voters of Camas and Washougal. Your support for the formation of a Regional Fire Authority ensures that our communities will continue to receive the high level of fire and emergency medical service you deserve — and that our department will remain whole, strong, and ready to respond.
This outcome represents more than a structural change — it’s a commitment to the safety, resilience, and future of our region. We recognize the trust you’ve placed in us and want you to know that we will be responsible stewards of your tax dollars and remain dedicated to serving every resident, every day, in their worst hour, with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.
From all of us at IAFF Local 2444, thank you for standing with your firefighters. #camaswa #washougalwa #clarkcountywa
7 CommentsComment on Facebook
I am soooooo happy!!!!! Congratulations 🎊 👏
Well done. I hope this results in more resilient, sustainable levels of service for many years to come!
Thank you for keeping us safe in an increasingly fire-risky environment! So glad this came back to the ballot!
-Today is Voting Day! Get your ballots in by 8PM tonight! Your Local 2444 Firefighters are asking for support with a Yes vote on proposition 2! -Thank you for your support! -Head to Clark.wa.gov/elections for more information on voting including ballot drop locations.
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Let's see! Higher taxes on the home owners.
Your firefighters urge you to VOTE YES on Proposition 2 if you live in Washougal or Camas. Ballots must be placed in a dropbox before 8:00 PM on November 4th or be postmarked by November 4th if you are returning your ballot by mail.
We support Proposition 2 because the formation of a Regional Fire Authority would:
AVOID REDUCED SERVICE LEVELS TO THE PUBLIC
PROVIDE TRANSPARENT FUNDING & MANAGEMENT OF YOUR FIRE DEPARTMENT
MOVE YOUR FIRE DEPARTMENT CLOSER TO INDUSTRY STANDARD STAFFING AND STATE STATUTES THAT GOVERN EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
14 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thank you!!! A yes vote is imperative to continue and improve upon our fire and EMS services is Camas and Washougal. Appreciate you all and the work you do to keep our community safe and to save lives.
You got my vote. Most people probably don’t understand what your job’s really are. Thank you!
Please vote yes !
Your firefighters urge you to carefully consider your vote on Proposition 2 in Camas and Washougal.
A YES vote will avoid decreased fire and EMS services, provide fiscal accountability through governance solely focused on the fire department's operation, and allow public safety to keep pace with the community's growth and needs.
If Proposition 2 fails to pass, the cities of Camas and Washougal have stated that they will not renew the interlocal agreement under which the Camas Washougal Fire Department operates. This would result in a decreased service level and continued operation of the fire department by city government. This would continue the cycle of city government underfunding your fire department and low levels of staffing.
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
I voted YES!!!!!
Is this only on the Camas ballot? I do not see it on my ballot as a Washougal resident.
We already voted this down once. Why should we change our minds. Just another property tax added to our current tax for EMS. Oh, and the previous tax stays in place and doesn't go to EMS. Go figure! I fully support or first responders but this is just bad for us all. VOTE NO!!!