Volunteer recruitment crisis hits local emergency services

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant challenges facing the local volunteer fire department, particularly in recruitment and retention. The department has struggled to attract new volunteers, with the last two recruits joining the team a decade ago. Currently, there are only 17 active volunteers, down from a previous roster of 23. The reduction is attributed to several inactive members being removed from the list, as the city provides life insurance and pension benefits that were not being utilized effectively by non-participating volunteers.

The chief noted that while volunteers are not compensated monetarily, they do receive a pension after 20 years of service, amounting to approximately $500 per month, along with a life insurance policy valued at around $20,000. This structure aims to incentivize active participation among volunteers.

In addition to volunteer issues, the meeting addressed the need for improved animal control reporting software, which is currently reliant on paper and spreadsheets. Officials acknowledged the necessity of upgrading to a more efficient system.

Emergency management was also a focal point, with plans to distribute \"Stop the Bleed\" kits across five city facilities, including City Hall and the police department. This initiative aims to equip trained personnel with the tools to provide immediate life-saving measures in emergencies.

Infrastructure concerns were raised regarding the public works department, particularly the need for a new roof for the warehouse and the potential for significant savings by contracting street work rather than maintaining heavy equipment. A budget increase of $250,000 for street rehabilitation was proposed, bringing the total allocation to $500,000.

Lastly, discussions included the aging equipment used for property maintenance, with officials considering alternatives for a slope mower that has required extensive repairs. The department is exploring options for remote-controlled mowers as a potential solution to ongoing maintenance challenges.