Adopt Resolution #14-12-263 to Dissolve Shared Fire Service Study Group

In the fall of 2011, the Cities of St. Francis, Nowthen, Bethel and Ramsey began discussing a potential 'Regional Fire Services' program known as: the Rum River Regional Fire Study Group.

In June of 2013, the Rum River Regional Fire Study Group presented a feasibility report to member Cities. Said feasibility report highlighted the potential benefits of cooperation, and suggested developing a draft Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) as one of the initial steps in working through the issues involved with more formal cooperative governance structures.

June 2014, the Ramsey Council approved joining the three other communities (Nowthen, St Francis and Bethel) in hiring a consultant to generate a draft JPA. Subsequently, the four Communities continued discussion of all the issues, and worked on a draft JPA.  

 

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During the 3 years of the Study Group operation, the following benefits were achieved:

• Improved coordination of fire response
• Joint purchasing and standardization of equipment
• Increased joint training exercises
• Joint recruitment of Fire Fighters

While a great deal of benefit has been derived from the Joint Fire Services Study Group, several issues make a full merger impractical at this time.  The primary obstacles are the differing compensation systems and retirement programs.  Consequently, at the December meeting of the Joint Fire Services Study Group, it was the consensus to recommend to the respective City Council's that the Study Group be dissolved,   The work of the Study Group is now completed.

There are no recommended alternatives.  All department representatives agreed to continue to work together and to seek other avenues of cooperation.  The work provided by the Study Group has provided a firm foundation for current and future cooperation.

Each of the Member Cities would split any professional service costs to date in accordance with the agreed-upon formula.

Recommend approval of Resolution #14-12-263 to Dissolve the Shared Fire Service Study Group.

Motion to Adopt Resolution #14-12-263 to Dissolve the Shared Fire Service Study Group