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Gaylord council approves equipment purchases, fire appointments and staff pay changes
Summary
Council approved a used pickup purchase, a new squad car, annual fire department appointments, a 3% citywide COLA and personnel policy updates including Minnesota paid leave; the council also authorized a city engineering agreement for 2026.
The Gaylord City Council approved a package of routine operational items including vehicle purchases, fire department appointments, a city engineering services agreement and personnel actions.
Public Works received authorization to buy a used pickup truck with a cost not to exceed $33,000 from the 801 fund to replace a 2010 Ford F-250. The council discussed vehicle condition and procurement approach and approved the purchase by voice vote.
The police department presented a recommendation to purchase a 2026 Ford Explorer from the state bid and have Guardian complete equipment installation; staff said a trade-in of the 2022 vehicle before 90,000 miles would yield a substantially higher trade-in amount. The council approved the purchase and outfitting by voice vote.
The fire department submitted its 2026 slate of officer appointments and wages (for example, a proposed fire chief wage of $2,500 and assistant chief $1,300). Council approved the appointments; two councilmembers abstained on that vote.
Council adopted Resolution 2026-05 implementing 2026 employee compensation: the citywide budget approved a 3% cost-of-living adjustment, with a 2.5% COLA applied to union police officers per contract language and step increases where applicable. Separately, the council approved a personnel policy amendment to incorporate Minnesota paid leave (a state-administered program), with the city and employees each responsible for 50% of required premiums; staff explained interaction with FMLA and documentation requirements.
The council also approved a 2026 letter agreement for general city engineering services with Justin Black not to exceed $20,000. Several contract expiration notices (building official services, water-tower maintenance agreements, farm rental and RS Fiber agreements) were discussed and staff were directed to solicit proposals selectively and consider terminating or revising standing water-tower maintenance contracts to reduce annual costs.
