Council reviews Length-of-Service award summary; staff to certify volunteer credits

Councilors briefly reviewed the annual LOSAP report for the city's volunteer firefighters, a program that provides a small lifetime benefit to qualifying volunteers.

Chris summarized the LOSAP program and how credits are earned: each qualifying year contributes toward a defined benefit that becomes payable after age 55. Under the city's current program structure, volunteers earn an equivalent of $20 per month for life after age 55 for each eligible year recorded, up to a 20-year maximum; staff said the largest annual payment currently in the plan is about $4,800.

Why this matters: The council noted the program remains an ongoing budgeted obligation despite a reduced active volunteer roster. Staff said the city currently has 53 members on the LOSAP roster and budgeted roughly $57,000 this year to fund the program; only a handful of volunteers qualified for credits during the most recent certification period due to low active-participation counts.

Clarifying details and next steps - Eligibility and counts: Staff reported three members earned credits this year; some members have already "maxed out" their service in the system. Several council members asked for clarification of terms ("entitled" vs. "vested") and for confirmation that the required paperwork and portfolio management are in place to fund current liabilities. - Certification: Council reviewed the list and directed staff to proceed with the routine certification process required by the LOSAP program; there was no substantive policy change.

Ending: Council members acknowledged long-term budget commitments for LOSAP and the difficulty of recruiting volunteers; staff will certify credits per the regular annual schedule and continue reporting on participation levels and budget impacts.