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Council permits one-time city coverage for deputy at fire relief dinner; vote 3-0-2
Summary
After debate about precedent and costs, council agreed to cover the cost of a deputy for the relief association’s annual dinner on Feb. 1, 2025 in a 3-0-2 vote following discussion of options (exemption, payment by association, or city coverage).
Council reopened a previously tabled request from the fire relief association asking for an exemption from the requirement to hire a deputy sheriff for its annual dinner on Feb. 1, 2025. Staff explained the group has hosted the dinner for decades without issue, that trained bartenders work the event and deputies typically attend, and that the city recently has enforced contracts in similar cases. Estimated deputy cost for three hours was discussed (staff cited $95/hour or roughly $285 total, with some estimates between about $315 and $500 depending on hours).
Councilmembers debated whether granting an exemption or having the city pay the cost would set an unwanted precedent. Mayor Kirby Moina offered to cover $285 personally for this instance; a motion to accept a donation failed for lack of a second. The council then approved a motion to cover the cost (using the donation mechanism discussed) in a 3-0-2 outcome (three aye votes, two abstentions). Minutes record the council’s concern about precedent while noting the relief association’s long-standing role and the presence of deputies at the event.
