Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Little Canada council approves $770 increase to fire relief benefit level
Summary
The council approved a $770 per‑year increase to the Little Canada Fire Relief Association benefit — raising the benefit from $5,545 to $6,315 per year of service — with two members recusing due to department membership.
The Little Canada City Council on June 10 approved a $770 per‑year increase to the benefit level for the Little Canada Fire Relief Association, changing the benefit from $5,545 to $6,315 per year of service.
Finance Director Carl Jacobson reviewed the contractual formula that governs benefit level changes, noted the increase follows the formula and that the fund is primarily composed of state aid dollars and investment gains, and recommended approval. Fire Chief Don Smiley said he could not be prouder of the department’s actions related to the recent incident that prompted awards earlier in the meeting.
Mayor Tom Fischer noted that City Administrator Bryce Shearen and Council Member Schwalbach recused themselves from the discussion because they are members of the fire department. Miller asked whether the change would affect the budget or levy; Jacobson confirmed it would not. Council Member Malone and others noted the formula was created to smooth year‑to‑year volatility in benefit levels and referenced historical pauses in increases during prior market years.
Malone moved to approve the increase; Miller seconded. The motion passed (Resolution 2026‑6‑82) with an affirmative vote recorded and two members recused from the discussion. City staff indicated that oversight of the fund remains with the Fire Relief Association and the city retains oversight responsibilities related to the contract.
