Litchfield hears fire and rescue annual reports; approves 2026 service contracts

The Litchfield City Council heard annual reports from the fire and rescue chiefs on March 2 and approved 2026 service contracts covering fire and rescue services.

Fire Chief Beckre reported combined fire operating costs for 2025 of about $170,565, noted final equipment payments and turnout-gear purchases, and said the department remained fully staffed at 30 members. Chief Beckre said operating expenses were roughly steady year over year and described a recent aerial-ladder inspection that required about $8,000–$15,000 in repairs.

Rescue Chief Tongen reported rescue activity for 2025, stating the combined system logged approximately 631 calls for service — 488 within the city, 122 from townships under contract and 21 other county responses. Tongen listed major call types (about 432 medicals, 41 car accidents, 25 traumas) and said staffing remained strong with a few attritions early in the new year.

Councilors asked about the rise in calls and whether increased call volume had pushed wages or part-time costs higher. Staff explained rescue and fire billing splits (township allocations based on tax capacity) and that combined billing to townships remained fairly stable year to year.

After discussion the council voted by roll call to approve Resolution 26-3-38 authorizing the 2026 fire and rescue service contracts.