Council previews $40 solid‑waste assessment increase, approves emergency‑management consulting and clarifies firewatch fees

Council considered several budgetary and emergency‑services items on June 9.

Solid waste: Staff presented a preliminary rate resolution proposing a $40 annual increase to the solid‑waste assessment for FY 2026–27 to reduce an approximate fund shortfall; staff noted the increase would not fully eliminate the deficit and additional budget work will follow during the August budget workshops. The council adopted the preliminary resolution to begin required public notice and hearings (vote 5‑0).

Emergency management and fire department review: Council authorized an amendment to a continuing services agreement with Early Alert, Inc., increasing the contract cap so the firm can engage a subcontractor to perform an independent audit/assessment of the village’s fire rescue and emergency management operations (continuity planning, debris management, FEMA coordination). Fire leadership said the outside review will identify strengths and weaknesses to inform budget and operational choices prior to the next budget cycle.

Firewatch fee clarification: Council adopted a technical amendment to the April firewatch fee resolution to clarify hourly pay calculations and administrative cost breakdowns for non‑collective‑bargaining firefighters assigned to firewatch; staff said the change corrects ambiguous wording but does not change approved pay or funding levels.

Next steps: The solid‑waste assessment will proceed through public notice and final adoption during the budget process; the Early Alert amendment and firewatch clarification were approved and staff will report back as work proceeds.