The Cortez Fire Protection District board met Jan. 10 to discuss the upcoming election, replacing a fire chief and building its new firehouse.

The board has three open seats. Sherri Wright’s and Buck Woodman’s are up for re-election.

The board appointed Wendy Mimiaga the election officer.

Because of a family emergency, Jeff Vandevoorde’s last day as fire chief was moved up to Friday, Jan. 12.

The board voted on and approved the wording of the job description and job posting for a new fire chief.

Other updates included a construction update on the new fire station from Kyle Blackmer.

In an email to The Journal, he said that construction is nearly on track barring the holidays and a few weather setbacks.

“Structural masonry is nearing completion,” Blackmer wrote in the email. “Structural steel installation is ongoing, and we hope to begin roofing and nonstructural metal framing next month.”

Board members also met for a pension board meeting before the regularly scheduled board meeting.