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Shrewsbury weighs joining regional Fire Authority feasibility study; city's share could be $10,000'$30,000
Summary
City officials said the City of Clayton invited 18 municipalities to participate in a six-month feasibility study to explore a regional Fire Authority. The study is estimated to cost $150,000; Shrewsbury's share was projected at $10,000'$30,000 depending on participation, and the board received pro-participation comments from the fire chief.
Shrewsbury officials discussed an invitation from the City of Clayton to join a regional Fire Authority feasibility study, a preliminary step that would evaluate operations, staffing and potential cost savings from consolidating participating fire departments.
City documents cited in the minutes put the study's total estimated cost at $150,000 and said Shrewsbury's share would range from about $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the number of participating municipalities. The study would be guided by a steering committee with at least one representative from each participating municipality and is expected to take roughly six months.
Fire Chief Chris Amenn told the board he strongly supported participation and described the effort as worth both the time and financial investment. Alderman John Odenwald supported the study as well and suggested expanding discussions to consider whether fire-academy restrictions should be revisited. City Administrator Dustin Ziebold said any additional questions should be directed to him or to Chief Amenn.
Board members noted potential operational efficiencies and reductions in administrative redundancy, including a possible reduction in duplicate chief positions, but did not take a formal vote to join the study at this meeting. The minutes state it remains uncertain whether the Fire Authority model is ultimately viable for Shrewsbury.
Next steps are to gather additional information and pricing and to return the matter to the board for a future decision if Shrewsbury elects to participate.
