Fire chief presents budget, capital improvements and housing plan for Elkhorn station

Fire Chief Ray Franco, joined by Assistant Fire Chief Charlie Butterfield, presented the Fire Department proposed budget, described planned capital improvements and discussed personnel implications. The presentation included capital items and an explanation of proposed staffing considerations tied to the department’s operational needs.

Council members asked about timing and costs for proposed capital improvements, and City Administrator Susan Robertson provided context about personnel and budget constraints. The council specifically discussed a proposal for housing at the Elkhorn Fire Station and sought clarification on how housing costs and personnel assignments would be recorded in the budget.

No final vote was taken on the Fire Department budget at the June 23 workshop; staff were asked to provide follow-up detail and cost estimates for the Elkhorn housing proposal and capital items prior to the Tentative Budget session.