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Resident urges transparency, questions fee increases and firefighter compensation
Summary
A resident used public comment to press the council for transparency about fee increases (citing an alleged 60–67% hike on one fee), suggested pulling the personnel policy from consent for discussion, and proposed a monthly stipend for the fire chief comparable to another department head.
During public comment, a resident urged more transparency and asked that consent-agenda item A (the personnel policy handbook) be pulled for discussion. The speaker raised a specific concern that one fee appeared to have increased by "60 maybe 67%" and asked the council to address rate changes publicly.
The same speaker discussed the role of volunteer firefighters and suggested the fire chief might merit a monthly stipend similar to that paid to the head of the KRB (a local board), saying the chief has only the same compensation as other firefighters despite performing administrative duties. The council acknowledged the comments and agreed to discuss personnel and fee items in the regular agenda.
"Transparency. I shouldn't apply only to the good news. It should also apply to the bad news as well," the resident said during remarks calling for clearer public communication.
