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Council approves up to $80,000 to study creation of an independent Caldwell fire district
Summary
After the rural fire district declined annexation, Caldwell’s fire chief asked the council to fund consultants and outreach up to $80,000 to chart forming a city fire district; council authorized the expenditure and directed staff to continue procedural steps including county review where required.
The Caldwell Fire Chief told the City Council on July 20 that the nearby rural fire district has declined to annex the city’s fire department, leaving the city to consider forming an independent Caldwell Fire District.
Chief Daniels asked the council to authorize hiring a consultant and a public‑outreach coordinator to produce a roadmap for forming a new fire district, analyze financial liabilities and timelines, and support a possible ballot initiative. He proposed spending not to exceed $80,000 for that work; the initial consultant quote from Tishler Bies was about $43,000 and would leave funds for outreach work.
Councilors asked whether funding was available in the current budget. Rochelle (city staff) said savings in personnel give the city sufficient funding to begin the study in the current fiscal year, and some costs may carry into the next fiscal year. Chief Daniels said the consultant would not be asked to decide whether the city should form a district but to map steps, administrative needs and deadlines for a May ballot placement.
Councilor Williams moved to approve the consultant authorization not to exceed $80,000; the motion carried.
Daniels told the council that forming a district would require county commissioner approval and public hearings; staff and the consultant will prepare necessary materials and timelines if the city elects to proceed.
