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Brodhead leaders discuss allowing EMS to join Rural Fire Association, seek protections on dissolution
Summary
At its Aug. 22 meeting the Brodhead Common Council reviewed possible amendments to the Rural Fire Association and Fire District agreements to allow EMS membership and to set rules for member departures and mutual dissolution; the council did not take formal action and directed drafting of amendment language.
Mayor Simpson opened the Aug. 22 Common Council meeting in Brodhead and led discussion about potential changes to the Rural Fire Association Intergovernmental Agreement and the Fire District Agreement, including whether emergency medical services (EMS) should be allowed to join the association.
The discussion centered on two issues: whether EMS membership should be pursued and how the agreements should handle a member leaving or a mutual dissolution. Schneider told the council that EMS and the fire district are aligned and supported pursuing membership but emphasized the importance of reserving a future right to dissolve. Schneider said any agreement should include clear rules about asset and debt division if a member departs.
Hazeltine raised a concern about requiring unanimous consent for changes, warning that a unanimity rule could allow a single member to block or “sabotage” a change. Harding said towns need the ability to vote on potential changes. Council members agreed that any substantial change should go back to the member municipalities for approval.
Participants discussed proposed financial terms if a member departs or the association dissolves. Council discussion described a framework in which departing members would leave without claiming association assets, would pay a percentage of outstanding debt, and in the case of a mutual dissolution municipalities would be reimbursed a percentage of values they had paid into the association. Specific percentage amounts were not specified in the meeting minutes.
Hazeltine suggested engaging attorney Tim Lindell to draft amendment language; Mayor Simpson offered to have Mark Schroeder review the draft afterward. Faessler noted that attorney fees would be paid by the district.
No ordinance, resolution or formal amendment was adopted at the meeting; the council concluded by approving a motion to adjourn at 6:59 p.m.
The council record notes a quorum and the presence of City Clerk Kristin Covert and City Treasurer Miller. The next procedural step indicated by the discussion is drafting amendment language for member review and municipal consideration.
