Eustis Fire Department reports ISO score improvement, highlights staffing and station‑deployment needs

The Eustis Fire Department reported an improved Insurance Services Office (ISO) evaluation on Aug. 21, saying the department’s score rose by roughly 4 points to 88.77 from the prior recorded score and that the change puts the department closer to top‑tier ISO ratings that can influence insurance premiums.

A fire‑department representative said the department earned strong marks for station and apparatus readiness, pump capacity and some reserve credits, and that community risk‑reduction and dispatch performance were also noted. The presentation identified staffing and station deployment as the principal opportunities to gain additional ISO points and recommended that the city plan for staffing increases and future station locations to match expected growth.

The presenter said: "This year, we went up 4 points ... we are getting closer to the ISO 1. So it's right now, we're at top 10% for the fire departments within the nation." The presentation noted specific sub‑scores (fire department points, community risk reduction, engine company performance) and attributed lower scores primarily to staffing shortfalls and an engine/tower not being fully in service during the evaluation period.

Commissioners asked how ISO changes affect homeowner insurance. The fire presenter said improved ISO ratings typically deliver insurance benefits to taxpayers. Commissioners and residents congratulated department staff and highlighted recent leadership and training successes.

Discussion only; no formal action was taken. Staff recommended continuing to advance training and to study long‑term staffing and station‑deployment plans as part of capital planning.

Why this matters: ISO ratings influence private insurance premiums on residential and commercial property and reflect operational preparedness; staffing and station deployment choices have implications for budgets and service levels.