New agreement brings 24-hour staffing to all three District 5 stations in 2027.
At A GLANCE
Agencies: Jackson County Fire District 3 and Fire District 5
Agreement: Expanded Intergovernmental Agreement combining personnel, equipment, and emergency operations
Effective Date: January 1, 2027
Staffing: All three Fire District 5 stations expected to have 24-hour staffing beginning in mid-May 2027
Employees: All existing Fire District 5 employees retained and transferred to Fire District 3
Equipment: Fire District 5 apparatus and equipment transferred to Fire District 3's inventory
Taxes: No tax increase required under the agreement; districts retain separate taxing authority
Governance: Both districts remain legally independent with separate elected boards
Debt: Fire District 5 remains responsible for its existing debt
Service: Fire District 3 assumes emergency response and support operations within Fire District 5's service area
WHITE CITY, Ore. — Jackson County Fire Districts 3 and 5 have signed an expanded agreement that will bring their firefighters, equipment, and daily operations under a shared service model beginning January 1, 2027, in a move officials say will strengthen emergency response across the Rogue Valley without increasing costs to taxpayers.
The agreement represents a significant expansion of a partnership established in 2024, when the two agencies agreed to share management and administrative services. Under the new arrangement, Fire District 3 will assume responsibility for emergency response and support services throughout Fire District 5's service area.
While the change will consolidate operations, the two fire districts will remain legally independent, with separate elected boards, budgets, and taxing authority.
The agreement also establishes a plan to increase staffing throughout Fire District 5, including providing around-the-clock coverage at all three of its stations beginning in mid-May 2027.
Jackson County Fire District 3. Firefighters stand alongside district apparatus outside a fire station. The district will assume responsibility for emergency operations within Fire District 5's service area beginning January 1, 2027. Photo: Jackson County Fire District 3.
EXPANDED OPERATIONS AND STAFFING
Fire Chief Mike Hussey. Hussey oversees Jackson County Fire Districts 3 and 5 and praised the collaboration between leadership and labor groups during the expanded service agreement. Photo: Jackson County Fire District 3.
Under the expanded Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA), all current Fire District 5 employees will become employees of Fire District 3. Fire apparatus and equipment from District 5 will also transfer to District 3's inventory while continuing to serve the communities where they are needed.
The districts say all existing employees will be retained as part of the transition.
Fire Chief Mike Hussey, who oversees both agencies, credited the cooperation between district leadership and labor organizations for making the agreement possible.
"The collaboration and professionalism shown throughout this process have been outstanding," Hussey said. "Our labor groups worked together to create a smooth transition that protects employees while strengthening service for our communities."
The agreement will also expand how personnel and equipment are deployed across district boundaries, allowing resources to be shared more efficiently during emergencies.
Fire District 3 will provide emergency response, fire prevention, public education, and risk reduction services throughout the Fire District 5 service area. Existing mutual aid agreements with neighboring agencies will remain in place.
Jackson County Fire District 5. A District 5 fire engine sits outside a station. Under the new agreement, all three District 5 stations are expected to receive 24-hour staffing beginning in mid-May 2027. Photo: Jackson County Fire District 5.
ALL THREE DISTRICT 5 STATIONS TO RECEIVE 24-HOUR STAFFING
One of the most significant changes for residents will be the expansion of staffing at Fire District 5 stations.
Beginning in mid-May 2027, all three stations will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The expanded coverage will include the reopening of Station 4.
The districts plan to achieve the increased staffing through the transfer of existing employees, the hiring of additional firefighters, and the graduation of academy recruits expected in early May.
Daily staffing levels at Fire District 3 will remain unchanged.
Officials say the additional personnel and coordinated deployment of resources will provide more consistent emergency coverage and strengthen the region's ability to respond to simultaneous incidents.
Fire District 5 Board Chair Greg Costanzo described the agreement as a long-term investment in the communities served by both agencies.
"I am extremely proud to enter into this long-term partnership with Fire District 3," Costanzo said. "Residents of Fire District 5 will benefit from expanded services, improved communication, and a stronger, more resilient emergency response system for years to come."
WHAT CHANGES FOR TAXPAYERS?
Despite the consolidation of personnel and operations, residents will continue paying taxes to their respective fire districts.
Fire Districts 3 and 5 will remain separate governmental entities, each governed by its own elected board and responsible for its own budget.
Fire District 5 will reimburse Fire District 3 for services provided under the agreement. Any outstanding debt incurred by Fire District 5 will remain the responsibility of that district and will not transfer to Fire District 3.
According to the districts, the agreement does not require a tax increase.
Instead, officials expect to generate savings by eliminating duplicated management functions, combining purchasing, and consolidating employee-related costs.
Those savings are intended to be reinvested into daily operations and expanded staffing.
The districts say residents can expect the same emergency services and commitment from firefighters, with increased operational capacity and reliability as resources are combined.
Firefighter Training. Jackson County Fire District 3 firefighters participate in a live-fire training exercise. The expanded agreement will combine personnel and operational resources from both districts. Photo: Jackson County Fire District 3.
FIREFIGHTERS SUPPORT TRANSITION
The expanded agreement follows nearly two years of planning and collaboration between district leadership and firefighter labor organizations.
Brady Graham, president of International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 2596, said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to firefighter safety and improved service.
"This agreement represents an exciting and significant step forward for our firefighters and those that we serve," Graham said. "We are proud to support a shared vision that prioritizes firefighter safety and strengthens our collective ability to serve our communities while ensuring firefighters have the personnel, resources, and support necessary to operate safely and effectively."
Firefighters Support Expanded Partnership. IAFF Local 2596 President Brady Graham expressed support for the agreement, emphasizing firefighter safety, shared resources, and a coordinated transition into IAFF Local 1817. Graphic: Jackson County Fire Districts 3 and 5.
As part of the transition, members of IAFF Local 2596 are preparing to become members of IAFF Local 1817.
In a separate statement, Graham said the districts' different histories and experiences would contribute to a stronger, more unified organization.
"Our fire districts each bring a proud history of service, experienced personnel, and unique strengths to this partnership," Graham said. "Those different backgrounds and experiences are not what separate us, but rather what make us stronger together."
Graham also thanked the firefighters, labor representatives, and district leadership who helped develop the agreement.
Fire Chief Praises Collaboration. Fire Chief Mike Hussey credited labor groups and district leadership for working together to develop an agreement designed to protect employees and strengthen emergency services. Graphic: Jackson County Fire Districts 3 and 5.
BUILDING ON A PARTNERSHIP ESTABLISHED IN 2024
The latest agreement builds on a management partnership approved in October 2024 and implemented January 1, 2025.
That initial agreement allowed Fire District 3 to provide executive leadership and administrative support to Fire District 5 while each agency maintained its own operational structure.
The expanded agreement moves beyond shared administration to consolidate personnel, apparatus, and emergency operations.
Fire District 3 serves communities including Central Point, White City, Eagle Point, Gold Hill, and surrounding areas. Fire District 5 provides fire protection and emergency services in Phoenix, Talent, and portions of the Ashland area.
The new operating model is intended to strengthen the region's overall emergency response system while preserving the separate governance and financial responsibilities of each district.
Fire District 3 Board President Harvey Tonn said the agreement reflects the agencies' commitment to working together.
"This is ultimately about people coming together to serve our communities more effectively," Tonn said. "The trust and teamwork shown by both organizations have made this milestone possible, and I am excited about what comes next."
The expanded agreement takes effect January 1, 2027, with the transition to full-time staffing at all three Fire District 5 stations expected to be completed in mid-May.
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