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Montrose council rejects proposed on-call pay changes, honors long-serving firefighter and approves new thermal cameras
Summary
Council voted down a proposed change to Montrose Fire Department call and training pay, recognized a retiree after 28 years of service and approved purchase of new thermal imaging cameras and other capital updates.
Montrose — The City of Montrose council on March 9 voted down a proposed change to the Montrose Fire Department’s pay policy, approved a retirement recognition for a long-serving firefighter and authorized the purchase of new thermal imaging equipment.
Council rejected resolution 2026-10, which would have amended Fire Department Policy No. 103 to raise training and call pay. The proposal to change training pay (previously $15 per authorized training event) and call pay (previously $1,250 per incident response) to $20 per event was presented by the fire department. Kevin, speaking for the Montrose Fire Department, summarized the proposed change: “We’re looking to change both of those to be $20 um per event or call.” Council member Otto voted yes; Council members Vontoma and Paradise recorded abstentions, and the measure failed to advance.
The council approved resolution 2026-11 to accept the retirement of a longtime firefighter, recognizing more than 28 years of service. The council also approved resolution 2026-12 to purchase one decision-grade thermal imaging camera and five smaller thermal imaging cameras; the packet lists a full package price of $9,858.70 for that equipment.
The fire department’s presentation included a broader preview of 2026 capital needs. The speaker told council the department expects to prioritize a station roof replacement (rough estimate presented in the meeting: $175,000–$200,000), interior and exterior painting (estimated $30,000–$60,000 depending on scope), and possible replacement or postponement of vehicle acquisitions. The department said some equipment purchases may depend on grant cycles and that older tools will be refreshed or replaced as needed.
Why it matters: The pay-policy proposal—if adopted—would have changed longstanding allowances for training and emergency-call compensation; its defeat leaves current pay levels intact and keeps the issue available for future consideration. The approved equipment purchase and the retirement recognition reflect immediate department needs and personnel changes.
The council’s next meeting is scheduled for April 13, 2026.
