Council hears mixed views on fire staffing as volunteers and chief say coverage maintained

Fire department leaders told the Isleton City Council that, despite cuts and recent layoffs, the department has continued to respond to calls and meet county response-time expectations.

"Since our last meeting, I have been monitoring very closely our staffing levels," volunteer lieutenant Michael Mimianga told the council. He said volunteers had responded to multiple medical calls, a serious rollover and provided mutual aid when appropriate. Chief Kyle Merchant, introduced himself as the city's fire chief and reinforced those points: "We are not looking at the past. We are looking forward to the future of making the city good," he said, and reported that the department meets response-time standards and intends to focus on rebuilding an all-volunteer force.

Council members asked for a clearer medium-term plan, with one councilor requesting a formal snapshot of proposed staffing levels and certifications. The chief said a provisional plan could be ready alongside the preliminary budget and SCORE-related budget work, indicating the department aims to present a firmer structure within weeks to months.

Public commenters expressed differing views. Some residents argued the department had been overstaffed in the past and recommended returning to a volunteer model; others warned of missing certifications and equipment needs and urged the council to review the Nicoletti report and other assessments before making structural changes.

The council did not adopt a formal staffing resolution at the meeting but directed staff to prepare a more detailed plan and to report back as the budget work proceeds.