This handbook establishes expectations for communications between the Executive Director and individual members of the Board of Directors outside of publicly noticed meetings, consistent with Oregon Public Meetings Law (ORS 192.610–192.705).
The purpose is to ensure compliance with Oregon law, preserve public transparency, and prevent unlawful deliberation outside of a public meeting.
The purpose of this Employee Policy Manual is to establish clear expectations, standards, and procedures for employees of the Mid Rogue Fire District (“District”). This policy is intended to guide the Executive Director and all future employees in the performance of their duties while ensuring professionalism, accountability, and alignment with the District’s mission.
We will be holding a Budget Hearing on May 27th, 2026 during the Board of Director’s General Meeting to adopt the 2026/27 budget.
Below is the Agenda for the Fire Board General Meeting held on Wednesday, May 27th, 2026. As with all Public Records, we strive to provide transparency and are available to answer any questions you may have. Please fill free to contact us at any time. Here is a link to Oregon public records law (ORS 192) All meetings can be viewed on our YouTube Channel.
Please be advised that our General Meeting Scheduled for Monday, May 25th, 2026 has been moved to Wednesday, May 27th, 2026 due to the holiday.
Please welcome our Executive Director, Phil Turnbull.
The Mid Rogue Fire District is proud to announce Philip Turnbull as its first Executive Director. With a career spanning five decades, Turnbull brings deep experience from fire and rescue agencies across the spectrum from volunteer service to a full-time role with one of the state’s largest departments, and later as Fire Chief with Rural Metro Fire. Along the way, he earned numerous awards and credentials, including lifetime memberships in the Rogue Valley Fire Chiefs Association and the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association, which recognized him with a Meritorious Award of Excellence in 2023. Throughout his career, Turnbull has been instrumental in promoting interagency and interdisciplinary cooperation, playing a key role in the development of regional response plans for large-scale, multi-agency emergencies. As a mentor, he has guided dozens of fire service leaders throughout Southern Oregon and served as Incident Commander with the Rogue Valley Fire Chiefs Incident Management Team.
Kassie Austin has transitioned from a contract employee to a part-time district employee, making her our second employee.
Kassie was instrumental in the formation of the fire district while working for the Counties legal department. She has been assisting the board of directors since they were sworn in on July 1st, 2025, first as assistance from the Board of County Commissioners and then as a contract employee a few hours a week until May 4th, 2026.
First district vehicle
Our vehicle and equipment acquisition committee, Directors Ownbey and Benetti, found a great deal on a used Ford Expedition and brought it to the board for consideration. The Board approved the purchase in a 4-1 vote for it to become the district staff vehicle. It was decaled and put in service May 14th, 2026.
Below is the Agenda for the Fire Board General Meeting held on Monday, May 11th, 2026. As with all Public Records, we strive to provide transparency and are available to answer any questions you may have. Please fill free to contact us at any time. Here is a link to Oregon public records law (ORS 192) All meetings can be viewed on our YouTube Channel.
Below is the Agenda for a Special Meeting to be held on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026. As with all Public Records, we strive to provide transparency and are available to answer any questions you may have. Please fill free to contact us at any time. Here is a link to Oregon public records law (ORS 192)
Below is the Agenda for the Fire Board General Meeting held on Monday, April 27th, 2026. As with all Public Records, we strive to provide transparency and are available to answer any questions you may have. Please fill free to contact us at any time. Here is a link to Oregon public records law (ORS 192) All meetings can be viewed on our YouTube Channel.
The Mid Rogue Fire District Budget Committe is meeting for the first time on Thursday, April 16th, 2026 at 6:00pm. You may attend in person at the Merlin Park Community Center located at 100 Acorn Street, Merlin, OR 97532 or you may view the live stream at www.youtube.com/@midrogueFD
