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Alburnett council debates fee and limits for fire-department pool-filling requests
Summary
Councilors discussed updates to a 2020 pool-filling policy after two recent requests. The proposed approach would keep a $250 minimum (covering 6,000 gallons) and consider a reduced incremental charge (e.g., $50 per additional truckload) plus a service radius and different pricing for hydrant fills; staff were asked to calculate actual costs and return with a recommendation.
Alburnett City Council members on July 11 reviewed a standing policy that governs requests for municipal fire trucks to fill private swimming pools. The policy, established in 2020, sets a $250 fee that currently includes the first 6,000 gallons; earlier policy language had charged an additional $250 for each subsequent truckload.
Council discussion focused on balancing cost recovery and community service. Councilors and fire staff discussed alternatives including a $250 minimum plus a $50 incremental charge for each additional 6,000-gallon truckload, lower fees for hydrant fills, and imposing a service radius to limit lengthy round trips. The council also noted wear-and-tear, personnel time and fuel as factors affecting cost.
Chief Hoover (Fire) and staff described two recent requests in 2024: one for roughly 6,000 gallons and another for about 28,000 gallons. Council agreed to have staff (TJ and others) calculate the actual per-trip pumping and labor costs and return with a proposed revised policy and recommended fee schedule.
No ordinance or rate change was adopted at the meeting; councilors directed staff to prepare cost estimates and a drafted policy for a future meeting.
