Trustees raise questions about consolidated fire district data and next steps

Trustees reported on the first meeting held with town and fire‑district representatives to explore formation of a consolidated fire district, but several trustees cautioned that the report’s call‑volume figures may be skewed by how ambulances are logged.

A trustee who attended the meeting said attorneys managing the process had consolidated call data provided by the 911 center. The trustee said some accounting practices — for example logging a second ambulance in and out when two units are held in reserve — can make it appear that the village’s ambulance activity is lower than actual response levels. "It gives you the indication we're scratching on paper on the number data, but we're actually taking the call," the trustee said, explaining the difference between how calls are recorded versus operational practice.

Trustees described the effort as an early-stage study, noting a roughly 26‑week timetable and use of prior templates to gather department‑level data. The board agreed the town will continue to manage the consultants and attorneys leading the study, and that trustees can request supplemental breakdowns and clarifications as the process continues. Several trustees noted invited districts participated at different levels and that annexation or formal joining would be subject to later decisions.

No formal action was taken to commit Fayetteville to a district; trustees agreed to receive further materials and to revisit the matter after additional data is provided.