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Fire chiefs brief Sarpy County on rising call volumes, levies and station plans
Summary
Representatives from Millard, Pavilion, Papillion and Gretna fire districts presented preliminary levy allocations and growth plans; Papillion and Millard chiefs highlighted rising call volumes, an MFO state aid program, and plans for a new station at 72nd & Pine Hill.
Fire‑district leaders used a July 28 public hearing to explain preliminary levy allocations, budget drivers and operational needs tied to rapid growth across Sarpy County.
Kevin Edwards, who identified himself as fire chief for the Millard Fire District and administrator for the Pavilion Fire District, said Millard’s property tax rate would remain unchanged at 0.105000 and described recent valuation increases (he cited a countywide preliminary valuation rise of roughly 5.62%). Edwards said the district qualifies for state Mutual Finance Organization (MFO) aid (the program uses an assumed population formula and caps assistance per district), noting Millard historically received MFO assistance and expects $300,000 in regular aid this year.
Rob Gotch, Papillion Fire Chief, said call volumes have climbed sharply — from about 3,200 calls in 2015 to roughly 6,000 most recently — and that EMS calls constitute about 80% of responses. "Our call volume is reaching 6,000," Gotch said. He described plans for a new station near 72nd & Pine Hill (estimated to add staffing of about 12 people over time), more joint training with neighboring departments, and expanded EMS capacity. Gretna representatives also reported growth and hiring to support a transition toward more paid staffing.
Commissioners thanked the chiefs for fiscal stewardship and discussed the regional challenge of recruiting and retaining emergency personnel.
