Sagle Fire: Layoff was fiscal decision

SAGLE — The Sagle Fire District is insisting the decision to lay off its chief was strictly a fiscal decision designed to sustain its level of service.

“It was a difficult financial decision by the board,” said its president Rob Goodyear, adding that the decision was not arrived at hastily or without mixed feelings.

Robert Webber was advised Monday he was being laid off as part of a restructuring effort meant to preserve three firefighter positions that have been funded for the last two years under a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant.

The department intends on dissolving the $88,000 position, making it a part-time post and using the savings to keep three firefighters on duty.

The three positions were deemed vital in ensuring the district’s ability to respond to calls on an around-the-clock basis every day of the week, Goodyear said. They also ensure that the district can abide by the terms of its contract with Bonner County to provide EMS response.

“We’re committed to providing the highest level of service that we can,” Goodyear said.

The funding for the Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response grant ends in August.

The district appointed former Chief Barney Phillips as an interim chief while it does a comprehensive overhaul of the chief’s job description, a position which Goodyear said Webber is welcome to apply for.

Webber was instrumental in obtaining the Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response grant, adding a touch of cruel irony because the grant ultimately cost him his job.

But others in the public safety community see no irony.

They contend Webber is being run off to contain the potential damage of an expected lawsuit filed by a former firefighter who claims she was sexually harassed by a superior.

Webber, according to a $1 million claim for damages, tried to bring a stop to the alleged harassment, while Goodyear sought to cover the misconduct up.

Neither Webber nor Goodyear will comment on that perception of his ouster.

Goodyear said he is prevented from commenting on the allegations in the claim due to the prospect of litigation, but wishes he could.

“I look forward to the day when I can openly speak about this,” Goodyear said.