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Council approves $667,470 pay application for fire station amid debate over costs; fire chief interviews set
Summary
Council approved pay application #15 for the fire station project ($667,470.12) on a 4–1 vote after Councilmember Ryan opposed, warning ownership could raise total costs to $16,091,637.10; staff said interviews for a new fire chief will be held Wednesday with final approval expected April 13.
The Otsego City Council on March 23 approved pay application number 15 for the fire station project in the amount of $667,470.12.
Councilmember Corey moved to approve the pay application; the motion was seconded and passed 4–1. Councilmember Ryan voiced opposition before the vote, arguing the city could obtain cost-efficient service from existing contract providers and saying, "If approved, the total cost for owning a fire department will increase to $16,091,637.10," a figure cited in the meeting record as the basis for his dissent.
In related business earlier in the meeting, staff described the hiring process for a new fire chief: interviews will be held Wednesday, 18 total applicants applied, area fire chiefs participated in preliminary interviews and five candidates were shortlisted; two finalists will be interviewed in person Wednesday with final approval of hiring expected April 13.
The council did not request additional financial analysis before voting on the pay application; the motion passed by the recorded 4–1 voice vote in the meeting transcript. Staff also reported the station construction is progressing and new trucks are expected to be delivered in May.
