Fire chief cites rising EMS revenue, staffing strains and ongoing station renovation

Fire Chief Randy Keane updated the council on department activity, EMS revenue and the station renovation during the March 2 budget meeting.

"About 68% is EMS runs," Keane said, describing a year with roughly 3,848 runs and noting the department’s EMS billing program has improved collection rates to about 95 percent. He said EMS revenue should be roughly $700,000 in the coming year.

Keane outlined staffing history (the suppression workforce peaked at 21 with grant help and is now about 18 suppression personnel plus administrative staff) and said additional staffing would allow the department to operate a second rescue more often and reduce reliance on mutual aid.

On capital work, Keane summarized two grants supporting the station renovation: a $400,000 MEDC award and an $800,000 award through another program, of which roughly $74,000 remained unspent at the time of reporting. He said the project’s total cost estimate is in the low‑to‑mid millions and that timing and bid documentation are guiding what the grant will cover.

Keane asked council to prioritize radios and vehicle replacement if CIP funding is limited; he also flagged hose and nozzle replacement, protective gear, and medical equipment on the department’s CIP list. The chief noted long lead times for rescues and engines (orders can take many months to reach delivery) and said staff continues to pursue grants to offset large purchases.

Council asked about building safety and the roof; Keane said remediation and replacement of OSB with plywood and roofing adjustments were part of the contracted work and that air‑quality testing had been done earlier in the renovation period.

The council will consider the requested CIP items as part of the budget process.