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Maple Grove council hears Fitch & Associates study raising sustainability concerns for paid-on-call fire staffing
Summary
A Fitch & Associates analysis presented June 15 found declining responder availability and long-term sustainability challenges with Maple Grove's paid-on-call fire staffing; the consultant recommended planning for possible career staffing and station changes and staff will bring acceptance of the report to the July 20 council meeting.
Mayor Steffenson and the Maple Grove City Council reviewed a comprehensive fire department study June 15 that flagged long-term risks to the city's paid-on-call firefighter model and recommended planning for additional career staffing and possible station improvements.
Fire Chief Maddison Zikmund told the council that Fitch & Associates conducted a Community Risk Assessment and a Standards of Cover analysis after the council approved the contract on July 21, 2025. Zikmund said the study reviewed emergency response data, community risk factors, GIS mapping, department operations and stakeholder interviews.
Steven Knight, a representative from Fitch & Associates, presented the firm’s main findings to council members. Knight said the analysis identified “challenges with the long-term sustainability of the paid-on-call staffing model” and noted declining responder availability. The firm recommended options to improve response reliability, including adding career firefighter positions and planning for fire station improvements or relocation in the future.
City staff emphasized that the study’s recommendations support maintaining the paid-on-call model for now while enhancing service delivery and planning for future changes. Council members discussed potential next steps, including developing performance benchmarks, exploring staffing models and reviewing facility needs.
No formal vote was taken at the work session. City staff will place an item on the July 20, 2026 regular City Council agenda to accept the Fitch & Associates report and for council consideration of next steps. The report was presented as an informational item at the June 15 work session and the council directed staff to return with implementation options and benchmarks.
The City Administrator recorded attendance at the June 15 work session, which lasted from the 6:33 p.m. call to order until adjournment at 7:15 p.m.
