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Willmar City to apply for two fire grants and approves 5% wage increase for on‑call firefighters
Summary
Fire Chief Frank Hansen received council authorization to apply for a State Fire Marshal grant (up to $10,000, 25% match) and a State Farm Safety grant (up to $10,000, nonmatching), and the council approved a 5% wage increase for paid‑on‑call firefighters retroactive to Jan. 1, 2026.
Fire Chief Frank Hansen told the council he seeks permission to apply for two grants: a Minnesota State Fire Marshal grant of up to $10,000 for a turnout‑gear extractor (with a 25% match) and a State Farm Safety grant of up to $10,000 (nonmatching) to help pay for pagers or an extrication tool. Hansen said the extractor quotes are around $20,000, so the city’s share if the State Fire Marshal grant is awarded would be roughly $10,000–$12,000; he noted the State Farm grant window is short and competitive.
Hansen also proposed a 5% wage increase for paid‑on‑call firefighters, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2026, to improve starting wages and recruitment. He said the increase was included in the 2026 operations budget; council confirmed the proposed change does not affect full‑time deputy chief or administrative staff and that paid‑on‑call firefighters do not have pension costs included.
A motion to authorize the grant applications and to adopt the wage increase resolution passed by roll call (6–0). Hansen said staff will manage matching funds and return grant outcomes and any budgetary adjustments to the council as needed.
