CAFD board approves budget

A $6,755,244 budget and $4,334,394 levy were both approved unanimously by the Cloquet Area Fire District board on Dec. 18.

The district projects a $200,000 home will be levied $290 and $89 for the fire and ambulance areas, respectively.

Board members Gary Harms and Dave Sunnarborg reversed their positions on the levy from September when they voted against the numbers. Linda Way, who also voted against the levy proposal, was not present at the December meeting.

To pay off an ambulance bond early, the board voted to put $118,000 of emergency ambulance aid from the state toward the remaining balance. Fire chief Jesse Buhs said they don’t yet know how much interest the district will save by paying off the bond early, but he estimates the purchase of another ambulance without bonding will save $15,000.

The board accepted a $10,844 grant from Essentia Health Community Foundation for IV pumps, which will free up money to help purchase another ambulance. Buhs said the department tries to replace one of its four ambulances every two years.

In other news, the board approved dates and times for its 2025 monthly meetings but postponed setting the locations. Harms pushed for holding some meetings in other member communities — a position other board members expressed interest in. A decision will be made at the next board meeting at 6 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Carlton County Government Services Building.