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County, fire chiefs back trial of two-location collocation for county firefighters
Summary
County staff reported that volunteer fire chiefs voted to support maintaining budgeted county firefighter positions and to continue planning for a two-location collocation model; staff will run GIS analysis to identify optimal locations and return recommendations to the board.
Jacob, representing county fire service staff, updated the board on follow-up work from the budget retreat regarding collocating county-employed firefighters. After a meeting with fire chiefs, Jacob said two votes carried unanimously: that the currently budgeted positions should remain and that chiefs supported additional conversations on dividing personnel into two locations to broaden coverage.
Staff explained they will run GIS modeling to identify two station locations that produce the largest improvements in district coverage and ISO ratings while minimizing duplications. "By doing the collocation and doing that partnership with the fire department that OSFM has given us permission back at that point to then get credit for those people again," a staff member said, noting insurance-rating implications.
Commissioners asked for the GIS results and additional analysis before acting; staff said they will survey options with the chiefs and return a formal recommendation and timeline for the board's decision. Several commissioners expressed concerns about staffing shortages in volunteer departments and asked staff to consult the county attorney regarding implementation details.
Why it matters: Changes to stationing and formal collocation agreements could affect response coverage, volunteer department operations and insurance ISO ratings across the county.
Next steps: Staff to complete GIS coverage analysis, meet with fire chiefs to identify recommended locations and present a formal plan and cost/timeline estimates to the board, likely on new business.
