Otsego residents press council on new fire department as council approves $1.43 million payment and a preliminary levy

Dozens of residents urged the City of Otsego City Council to stop or scale back its new fire department and questioned how the city will pay for operations, as the council voted to approve a large contractor payment and set a preliminary property tax levy.

During more than an hour of public comment, homeowners repeatedly blamed the council’s decision to create a city-run fire department for steep tax increases and higher insurance costs. Mark Nystrom, a resident, told the council, “when and how you're gonna pay for the second station,” and said residents are “already up in arms.” Melody Bruin, another resident, said she had “changed my homeowner's insurance to expect a total loss due to these decisions.” Gerard Zachman told the council: “This city council has not been transparent … We are told lie after lie by the former fire chief.”

The public comments preceded council votes on the fire facility and the city’s preliminary levy. The council approved pay application No. 9 for the fire and emergency services facility—$1,431,938.69—on a 3–1 vote (motion by Corey, second by Tina). Council discussion made clear the payment was for work already completed on the facility; Councilmember Ryan (identified in the meeting only as Ryan) opposed the payment and described the city’s wider fiscal problems: “Every dollar of this year's property tax increase comes from 1 decision, starting our own fire…