During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the necessity of acquiring a ladder truck for the municipality's fire department, particularly in light of ongoing residential development. Concerns were raised regarding the appropriateness of such an investment given the municipality's low-rise structures, with comparisons drawn to neighboring communities that have opted against similar purchases.

One official highlighted that many surrounding municipalities, including Stoughton, McFarland, and Monona, have ladder trucks, suggesting that as the area continues to grow—particularly with the addition of approximately 200 homes in new developments—the need for a ladder truck may become increasingly critical. The current fire department's equipment is limited to ladders that reach heights of only 20 to 24 feet, necessitating reliance on external resources for taller structures.

The conversation also touched on the financial implications of such a purchase, with officials acknowledging that as the population increases, so too do operational costs. A specific example was cited from Stoughton, where a taller ladder truck was deemed necessary due to significant development, leading to a compromise in funding responsibilities between the city and surrounding towns.

The meeting concluded with announcements, including the upcoming 130th anniversary celebration of the Oregon area fire and EMS, scheduled for August 25, 2024.