Last month I wrote about the Fire Service Contracts we have
with Ideal Township Fire Service and also Pequot Lakes Fire Service. Both departments provide service to the city
on a contract basis. The contract with
Ideal Fire Department was renewed for 2013 but notice was given to us that
increases in costs would be coming.
These increases would result in a doubling of the fire service contract
in a couple of years.
The city requested a review of the fire service contract
situation from Pequot Lakes Fire Department.
Currently the city houses a fire pumper truck at the Breezy Point Public
Safety Building. This truck is
dispatched on fire calls from the Pequot Lakes Fire Department. We currently have 5-7 individuals who respond
to this station. Considering this, the
option to have Pequot Lakes Fire Department provide fire service to the entire
city was factored. Assuming 2013 figures
for the formula the cost to the city would be an increase of about $2600. The fire service contract with Ideal Township
is currently $7900. The city could see a
significant savings with the change in service.
The other issue of concern was that of response time. Distances were calculated and with response
out of the Breezy Point station the majority of the area served is closer than
the Ideal Fire Station; however there are some areas that would be a mile
distant. With the location and type of
roadways it was felt that these areas would likely see the same or better
response time. With that consideration
it was felt response time was not an issue.
Ideal Township Fire Department has served the city well for
a great number of years and we are grateful for their past and current
service. Breezy Point made an investment
in a public safety building which has the ability to house a fire station. This station is served by a small portion of
the Pequot Lakes Fire Department and a fire pumper truck. Recognizing that value the city is able to
work with Pequot Lakes Fire Department to provide service to residents of the
city while also saving costs of service.
Starting with the 2014 fire service contract the city will be completely
served by the Pequot Lakes Fire Department.
