During the St. Joseph City Council meeting on November 4, 2024, council members decided to table discussions regarding the organization of fire department services and medical calls until new leadership is seated. This decision comes in light of an upcoming election that will introduce a new mayor and several new councilors.

Council member discussions highlighted concerns about the current workload of city staff, particularly regarding planning and community development. One member suggested that staff may be stretched too thin, prompting the need for a reevaluation of priorities. The council agreed that further exploration of the fire study could be postponed until after the election, allowing the incoming leadership to reassess the situation.

The motion to table the discussion was passed with a vote of 3-2, indicating some dissent among council members. The timeline for revisiting the topic was set for either February or March 2025, allowing the new council to engage with the issue fresh from their election.

The meeting also featured a brief exchange about procedural matters, with some council members expressing frustration over the handling of public comments and the mayor's authority in managing the agenda. Despite these tensions, the council's focus remained on ensuring that the new leadership would have the opportunity to address the community's needs effectively.

As the city prepares for a transition in leadership, the decision to table the fire department discussion reflects a strategic pause, allowing for a more comprehensive review of city services in the near future.