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Emily council funds EMS vehicle, raises Fire and Rescue pay and debates chief selection process
Summary
Council approved an EMS vehicle purchase, increased Fire and Rescue meeting/training pay, accepted donations and grants, and deferred final decisions on the department's method of selecting a chief pending SOP revisions and a special meeting.
The Emily City Council on Dec. 10 approved several measures affecting the Fire and Rescue Department and discussed whether to continue internal elections for the department chief.
Chief Blair Mileski reported the department responded to five calls in October and held training on snowmobile accidents. The council unanimously approved purchasing a 2025 Ford F-150 4x4 SuperCrew for emergency medical services from Midway Ford for $43,706.16 using First Response Equipment funds and Sourcewell match grant funds. The council also approved a Wage Schedule Policy revision increasing meeting and training pay for Fire and Rescue personnel from $10 to $25 per meeting or training, retroactive to Dec. 1, 2025.
Councilmembers approved acceptance of a $5,000 donation from the Emily Firemen’s Relief Association to the Firemen’s Equipment Fund, approved submitting a Sourcewell Boost Funds grant application for $1,814.99 to purchase a rescue manikin and low-level strainer, and approved purchasing jackets for all department members with partial funding from the Relief Association.
On department governance, Chief Mileski recommended discontinuing annual internal elections for the chief position and said the department chief should be appointed by the council under the city’s Standard Operating Procedures to ensure consistent qualifications and stability. Councilmembers discussed creating a two-year term and a formal application/interview appointment process that preserves department input; the council scheduled additional discussion at a special meeting on Dec. 15, 2025.
Why it matters
The approved purchases and the pay revision affect readiness and morale of the Fire and Rescue Department. The council’s decision to review the chief selection process could change how leadership is chosen and how the department balances internal member input with council oversight.
