Fire chief cites middling rating, requests brush-truck equipment and suggests billing for false alarms

Fire Chief Mike Allen told the council the city's fire rating was "a 5" and said it reflected problems after the department restarted operations without training for new personnel.

"The reason we got dinged on was the starting the fire department back up with no one being trained," Allen said, and asked to equip the brush ("white-water") truck so it can water dirt roads. He described enrollment in a FEPP equipment program that provides gear on a trial or loan basis.

Allen also suggested the city consider billing callers for false-alarm responses and mentioned he had spoken with other cities that "send out bills every time they have a call." He proposed annexing the city into a fire district to secure tax revenue as a longer-term funding option. Councilor Matt Wenick said billing false alarms was not worth the time and effort, and Mayor Brad Smith asked whether other cities use billing; Allen confirmed they do.