Otsego council approves fire station payment after debate over owning a municipal fire department

The City of Otsego council on Feb. 23 approved payment application No. 14 for work on the fire station project in the amount of $678,146.30 by a 4–1 voice vote following brief debate about the costs of municipalizing fire services.

Council member Ryan objected to a council action tied to fire services, saying the total cost of owning a city‑run fire department would be prohibitive. "If approved, the total cost of owning our own fire department will increase to a whopping $15,146,862.75, which would have paid for 10 years of contracted service," Ryan said, arguing the city could obtain cost‑efficient service from contracted providers.

Despite the objection, Council member Corey moved to approve payment application No. 14, described on the record as $678,146.30 for work completed on the fire station project; the motion was seconded and passed by a recorded voice vote of 4–1. The transcript records the motion and the vote tally but does not list individual yes/no votes by name.

Separately, staff requested a special council meeting to review financing for Prairie Park Phase 1; the council scheduled that meeting for March 9 at 5:30 p.m. Staff also reported 18 applicants for the fire chief vacancy and said a Doodle poll would be circulated to set interview dates for finalists.

The council received staff updates noting strong applicant pools for several positions: nine applicants for a utilities role and 77 applicants for an HR/payroll coordinator role. The meeting concluded after the council adopted five advisory commission members and adjourned.