There’s no decision yet on the future of the fire department contracts in the town of Manitowoc Rapids.
Over 100 residents showed up at the monthly town board meeting last night, most expressing their disapproval of the town board not wanting to renew contracts with the Silver Creek and Rockwood Volunteer Fire Departments.
It was so full; it became a standing room only with many waiting outside.
According to a Silver Creek firefighter, the cause for possible contract changes is the cost of EMT service.
At the beginning of the month, both departments put out press releases stating reasons why they are against this move.
Residents, including Jim Check and Dale Wagner, had concerns.
“If the city comes in, how are these two fire stations going to fund themselves,” Check said to the board.
“That’s my concern. We’re going to ultimately lose two fire stations.” Wagner told the town board
“I oppose this for several reasons. For one, I did already contacted my insurance agent and we actually would see our fire class go lower and our insurance rates go up if this goes through.”
Residents also expressed their frustration with the “secrecy” of the issue.
The plan Manitowoc Rapids is considering is to have the city of Manitowoc Fire Department be the group to come out to help put out fires in some areas.
Town Chairman Josh Stradal says it would save the town about $104,000 over five years.
Residents expressed that they don’t believe Manitowoc is ready for a fire outside the city because they don’t have a tanker truck or a place for water access like a fire hydrant.
Silver Creek Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Kolinski spoke on behalf of his department.
“This was never negotiated,” he stated.
“The fire departments involved are willing to negotiate with you guys. If it means freezing the wages for a year or two or whatever. But there was no discussion as to negotiation. There’s no discussion of what you can do as like a Plan B. There is no Plan B here.”
Stradal was also under fire last night because of alleged online comments that he didn’t want the fire departments to continue.
He addressed that at the beginning of the meeting.
“I feel this could benefit a lot of towns residences and businesses in our township,” he explained.
“This is nothing to do with shutting down fire departments. Fire departments are a service to the township. If contracts are not signed, the town has no direct say on what happens to the contracted service. We as a board need to be good stewards of public funds to the township and do what is best for the 2,088 residences and businesses in our town.”
The town board didn’t take any action.
Next week, they will have an informational session next Wednesday (September 18th) from 6 to 7 p.m.
