Otsego council approves contract fire marshal amid budget objections

The Otsego City Council voted 4–1 on June 8 to approve a contract Fire Marshal agreement with Cary Smith, doing business as FCA, LLC, subject to final review by the City Attorney.

Fire Chief Jim McCoy presented the proposed agreement and said the city is estimating the contract will cover about 20 hours per week of Fire Marshal work. City Administrator and Finance Director Adam Flaherty told the council that building permit revenue is on track and staff plan to include the position in future budgets.

Councilmember Ryan Dunlap opposed the contract, arguing the position was not included in the 2026 budget and warning about approving unfunded expenses. "This position was not included in the 2026 budget," Dunlap said, adding later that the "2026 budget is 50% over budget." Flaherty responded that the council reviewed budget overages earlier in the year and that the building permit revenue should cover the new contract for now.

Councilmember Michelle Lund asked how a Fire Marshal position is typically budgeted; Flaherty said ongoing funding would be placed in the Fire Department budget in future budget cycles. Mayor Jessica Stockamp noted Interim Fire Chief Scott had raised similar funding concerns earlier in the year.

Councilmember Tina Goede moved to approve the contract; Councilmember Corey Tanner seconded. Voting in favor were Mayor Jessica Stockamp and Councilmembers Goede, Lund and Tanner. Councilmember Dunlap voted against the motion. The motion carried 4–1. The agreement will return for final legal review before execution.

The council also received other routine public safety updates during the meeting, including training and equipment reviews for the fire department.