Minnetrista joins talks with three neighbors on joint fire services

Mayor Lisa Whalen said Minnetrista is negotiating a joint powers agreement, or JPA, with the cities of Mound, Spring Park and Saint Bonnie to formalize shared fire services and improve long‑term sustainability.

Whalen said the four communities have discussed the idea for years and resumed focused talks last year after chiefs in Mound and Saint Bonnie urged a smaller, more workable partnership. She said the change would let Minnetrista “actually have a seat at the table. We will have a voice in how things are operated.”

Why it matters: Whalen said the current contracting arrangement — Minnetrista pays two departments under separate contracts — is…