Committee renews Wisconsin Urban Search & Rescue agreement as hourly rate rises to $60

The Finance & Personnel Committee unanimously approved renewal of the Wisconsin Urban Search & Rescue emergency response agreement; the contract reflects an increase in the hourly contracted rate from $55 to $60.

Chief Schott explained the longstanding relationship dating to the early 2000s and that the training and certification opportunities the state provides enable local responders to develop expertise in swift-water rescue, technical confined-space rescue and structural collapse response. He noted that recent years have seen increased deployments to assist with severe flooding and other disasters but that the state reimburses the city when the team deploys.

Council members thanked the fire department for its work and noted the potential for increased deployment as extreme weather events continue; the motion to adopt the renewal passed without opposition.