Why Would I Want to Be a Board Member?

• Your community needs you!  We can’t operate without elected board members who are willing to volunteer their time and talents

• Tired of feeling like you don’t make a different in this politically charged environment?  Serving as a special district board member is a way you can truly make a difference directly for your community

• Joining a board helps you learn from the people around you, but also gives you the opportunity to share your knowledge and experiences with those same people

• Gain experience in government and leadership that can translate into other potential career or political opportunities

Lowell Rural Fire Protection District Board Member Duties

A board member of Lowell Rural Fire Protection District serves on 5 (five)-member Board of Directors responsible for conducting the affairs of the district in compliance with Oregon Revised Statutes. The Board of Directors has the legislative authority and power to establish policies and procedures that are in the best interest of the residents it serves.

The board ensures that the district achieves its mission in an ethical, transparent, accountable and prudent manner. Each board member is accountable for the functions described below, all of which are accomplished at board meetings and committee assignments through review of information, strategic planning, conversation and decision making.

Together, the board makes decisions and sets policy for the district. Individually, you do not have any power, but acting with your fellow board members you have an opportunity to have a positive impact on your community. The board’s major responsibility is setting policy.

Board members also do the following:

• Attend the board meeting held on 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:00 pm(sometimes special meetings can be held to address specific issues)
• Review and adopt the annual budget
• Approve financial reports
• Set goals and evaluate progress towards those goals
• Ask voters to approve bond measures and local option levies for facilities and operations
• Hire and evaluate the executive director
• Help set standards, controls and policies that support sound risk management practices are in place; e.g. safety and security, insurance, data controls and personnel management practices
• Delegate authority
• Connect with the community