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Olivet approves fire reporting software purchase; discusses Walton Township coverage
Summary
The City approved purchasing ESO fire reporting software and a computer — initial costs stated as $3,731 for software and up to $1,000 for a computer with annual fees noted — and heard an informational request from Walton Township to add coverage after it withdraws from the Rural Fire Association in March 2025.
The Olivet City Council approved purchasing an integrated fire records management system from ESO and a computer for the fire department on Aug. 12.
Fire Commissioner Don Walker said Bellevue has used the ESO system and recommended it for Olivet. Fire Chief John Collins told the council the department currently uses the Eaton Area EMS reporting system and called it "antiquated," recommending the new ESO software. The packet cited a combined cost of $4,731 for software and computer and an annual recurring fee of $2,996; the motion approved an initial software purchase not to exceed $3,731 and a computer not to exceed $1,000 (MOTION by Don Walker, supported by James Frohm).
Also during the meeting Walton Township Supervisor Bob Starkweather told councilors Walton intends to withdraw from the Rural Fire Association in March 2025 because of cost and asked whether Olivet could provide coverage for the area that would be left without Rural Fire service. Chief Collins said providing that coverage "would not strain our Fire Department" and that the department could generate additional income by covering more territory, but council members asked for a formal letter or contract and discussion about fee structures before committing to expanded service.
A point of contention arose when Clerk/Treasurer Amy Huepenbecker questioned Collins’s remark that "a Council Member told him to ‘find his own funding.'" Huepenbecker said Collins’s statement should be read as "we need to secure funding for the expenses," calling for clarity on funding direction. Collins responded to the exchange by saying that "the entire Council" was involved in prior funding conversations, and councilors asked staff to look at budget implications and possible charge structures for providing service to Walton Township.
