SAN DIEGO -- The San Miguel Fire Protection District has a $1.75 million deficit. Several taxpayers wondered why and asked the 10News I-Team to research the district's budget.

"Quite honestly, I was surprised," said Spring Valley resident Buzz Block.

The I-Team showed Block that they found seven members of the district's board of directors received generous benefits. The members are elected to set policy and budgets for the fire department.

"My gosh, there is a lot of money spent on full benefits for these people, and it's all costing the taxpayer," said Block.

The seven board members are paid $189 for each meeting, usually once a month. For fire districts that is typical.

However, the district also pays:

$87,699 a year for full health insurance for the seven members

$12,695 for lifetime health coverage for a retired director

$6,783 for dental insurance and $7,700 for wellness & fitness -- a health screening.

The total comes out to $140,000 each year in pay and full benefits for roughly 10 hours of work per week.

"Unaffordable to the taxpayer," said Block.

I-Team reporter Lauren Reynolds asked San Miguel Fire Chief Augie Ghio, "Are these Cadillac benefits?"

"I think they're good benefits," said Ghio.

Ghio reports to the directors, and he said the health benefits started in 1980.

In 1996, the board made them lifetime for those serving 16 years. In 1007, six of the current board members voted to add dental and wellness & fitness benefits.

"People who are increasing those benefits are the people who are receiving it," said Block.

The practice is legal, but many debate if it is a good policy.

"Most of them put in a lot of time. I'm not saying that absolutely justifies those level of benefits, but it is a consideration," said Ghio.

The I-Team learned that most other fire district boards in San Diego County receive no benefits, with the exception of Rancho Santa Fe. Five members of the Rancho Santa Fe board receive health and dental benefits.

"The fire board is made up of predominantly fire fighters," said Block.

Block is bothered by the make up of the San Miguel Fire District's board. Three of the members are fulltime firefighters for San Diego or El Cajon, with a fourth married to a firefighter. They already receive benefits through those cities, and can trade those benefits for cash.

"They're taking cash from their other benefit system?" asked Reynolds.

Ghio replied, "That's their option."

The I-Team learned the district spends more on these benefits than equipment maintenance, facilities maintenance, safety clothing and supplies.

After the I-Team brought the issue to Ghio, he said the board was aware of the public's concern and will take up the issue in a future meeting.