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Resident urges commission to reject proposal to fold Riley city fire department into county system
Summary
During public comment, Kevin Bellamy, a city of Riley resident and firefighter, strongly opposed a proposal he described as absorbing the city’s 103‑year‑old fire department into a county system, saying consolidation would reduce local control, possibly worsen response times and erode community identity.
Kevin Bellamy, a Riley resident and firefighter, addressed the Riley County Commission during the public‑comment period on Sept. 15 to oppose what he described as a proposal to absorb the City of Riley Fire Department into the county system.
“For the sake of our city's identity, for our local control, and the dedicated services that we currently enjoy, I urge you to reject this proposal if it comes before you from the city council,” Bellamy said. He described the department as a “103‑year‑old institution” and said consolidation would dilute local accountability, redirect personnel and equipment away from city needs and risk longer response times.
Bellamy said the city maintains partnerships with neighboring county departments and that county services are already available when needed. He also emphasized the community value of a city‑run department, saying firefighters are “our neighbors” and that erasing the department’s name and identity would harm civic morale and disservice generations of firefighters.
The remarks were made during public comment; no county action on a consolidation proposal was recorded at the meeting. Commissioners did not take immediate action during the session. The speaker urged that any formal proposal from the city be the subject of public hearings and direct contact with the city council and mayor before the county acts.
