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Council discusses one‑year fire and EMS contracts as some neighboring districts seek higher rates
Summary
The safety service director told council he is negotiating one‑year contracts with neighboring fire districts for 2026 after some districts cited higher costs; council members pressed for the method behind new rates and asked about mutual aid and staffing during overnight hours.
Council members spent substantive time on Dec. 1 discussing proposed 2026 fire and EMS contract terms and the method used to set new rates.
Safety Service Director Wheeler told council the city has been negotiating with several neighboring districts — Bachman, Central Fire, East Union and Sugar Creek — to reflect actual costs. "Bachman has agreed to our contract price for 2026," Wheeler said, while negotiations with Central and East Union were still ongoing.
A council member asked Wheeler to explain how the new rates were calculated. Wheeler said the approach was a basic formula that divides the number of runs and calls specific to a township and applies cost values authored by the Fire Chiefs Association (for factors such as squad vs. truck responses and personnel levels). He added that EMS reimbursements such as Medicaid and Medicare often provide a flat payment (he cited approximately $200) that may not cover equipment and other costs.
Council members raised staffing and mutual aid concerns. A member asked whether the part‑time status of local firefighters — paid stipends to be on call overnight from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. — could leave gaps if the city and a neighboring district had simultaneous calls. Wheeler said the department would first issue an all‑call, then request mutual aid; he noted the city does not charge mutual aid partners and that mutual aid relationships have been a strong asset.
On contract terms, Wheeler said most agreements for next year will be for one year, though historically multi‑year agreements were common; Bachman specifically asked for a one‑year term to stabilize funding while their levy efforts continue.
What happens next: Wheeler said he will continue negotiations and bring finalized contract terms back to council. Council directed staff to return with final contract language and any fiscal impact statements required for subsequent readings or approvals.
Representative exchange: A council member asked, "Could you explain to us how you arrived at the new rates and give us just a little background?" Wheeler answered that the formula uses run counts and standard cost values and noted variability depending on whether a truck or squad responded and the personnel involved.
The meeting concluded after council adopted several housekeeping resolutions and heard closing remarks.
