Nov. 15--In the next six to seven months, Albert Lea's fire department will go under review by a consulting firm.
The review will look at whether there should be changes in staffing for the department, along with what should be done with the existing fire station and who should be the leader.
"We're not making any determinations on the fire department at this point," Mayor Vern Rasmussen said. "It's just looking at what's the best option for the city of Albert Lea."
Rasmussen and City Manager Chad Adams said the efficiency is an area the city leaders are studying while steering the city through tight budget times. A consultant is being hired to get an outside viewpoint.
Adams said "a great deal of quantitative analysis" will go into the review. There are variables such as what is the community's desired response time and how insurance ratings will play into the decision. A slow response time could increase rates for Albert Lea property owners.
The Albert Lea City Council on Monday approved sending out a request for proposals for consultant services for the review.
The deadline for receiving proposals from firms for the project will be Dec. 21 with the selection of the consultant by early January.
Costs for the review are slated to be paid with fire interest earnings. The city has earnings from a pension plan it once maintained for firefighters and police officers. The plan is now merged with a state pension plan, but those earnings produce interest that the city spends on public safety.
The process will involve talking with existing firefighters and leadership, along with past community fire leaders, city staff, Mayo Clinic Health Systems staff, the mayor and City Council, the community and neighboring fire jurisdictions.
The consultant's report would be completed in May or June.
