Pierz council approves modest increase to fire relief benefit, reviews $190K'$210K SCBA replacement plan

The Pierz City Council on March 9 approved an increase in the Pierz Fire Department Relief Association retirement benefit and heard from fire leaders about an equipment replacement that could cost up to $210,000.

Steve Boser, representing the Pierz Fire Department Relief Association, presented the association's finances and said total assets at the start of 2026 were $1,795,544, with estimated city and rural contributions of $30,250 and projected investment returns of $91,290, producing estimated year-end assets of $2,012,084. He reported the relief association membership voted to raise the retirement benefit from $3,200 to $3,400 per year of service; that change reduces the projected funding level from roughly 132% to about 119%. The council approved the change by motion, and Boser submitted an Article 9 form for audit documentation to be attached to the minutes.

Council also approved payment of $550 for each of 26 firefighters, a lump total of $14,300, on a motion by Council Member Gary Berg and seconded by Council Member Lynn Egan. The motion carried unanimously.

Fire Chief Dan Rocheleau presented the department's 2025 annual report and an equipment plan. He said the department responded to 77 calls last year, down from 98 in 2024, and noted that Morrill Township has requested coverage, expanding the department's service area from six to seven townships. Within the city, the department responded to 11 calls in 2025, including two medical assists, four motor vehicle accidents (three with injuries), several false alarms and one structure fire.

Rocheleau told the council that the department's self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units must be replaced every 10 years and would be out of compliance after Dec. 31, 2025. He gave an estimated replacement cost of $190,000'$210,000. Rocheleau said the department will apply for grant funding (up to $50,000) and noted that Pioneer Mutual Insurance has already contributed $20,000; the remaining cost is expected to be shared among the City, the townships and the Relief Association and likely addressed in the next budget cycle.

The chief also reported that donations from Harding and Lastrup totaling $2,000 aided the purchase of new airbag lift supports for vehicle rescue, and that the backup pumper truck will reach its 25-year replacement timeline around 2029. He said staff will pursue grant opportunities when major equipment replacements are scheduled.

City Treasurer Kaye Stangl presented routine financial items: the claims report for February ($323,382.87) and the treasurer's report (fund balance $3,329,198.99). Both reports were approved by unanimous motion. City Administrator Laura Wacker reported she submitted the closing for American Rescue Plan Act funds totaling $149,170.25, used as revenue replacement for general government operations; she will update council when the closing is finalized.

The council received brief departmental updates: the Public Works pickup truck is now in service and staff will obtain pricing for a proposed vehicle decal; Clubhouse Lead Andy Leidenfrost reported hood and mini-split installations with remaining electrical and flooring work before seasonal startup; a meeting with St. Croix Recreation about a playground project is scheduled before the March 17 workshop.

The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.