NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Fire Chief Steve Beer didn't get his requests for equipment fulfilled at Tuesday's City Council meeting, but it's because the council wants to talk to the county about sharing the cost with them.
"A lot of these fires are originating in Fire District 2," said Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho. "I would like a greater discussion on cost sharing. That's where I sit. We need to be providing the best protection and the best equipment to our employees, but I really feel it's warranted and in the city's best interest to have a discussion with the county."
Councilwoman Sara Bagwell noted that the county got a whole lot more from ARPA than the city did.
"They got twice as much, but yet we're 60% of the county. We've got 60% of the population and Hutchinson's the main driver for a lot of the economy in Reno County. They got $13 million, we got under 6, it's a little bit shy of $6 million."
The request was for three new type six brush trucks, new wildland personal protective gear and bringing existing brush trucks up to standards, to standardize the fleet, along with replacement of tools, equipment and hoses. The total cost for the requests all told would be $880,000. The mayor also said that county policy changes to be discussed next week are important before committing city resources.
"That's when they are going to hear the fire mitigation plan," Piros de Carvalho said. "It's up to them whether they want to accept that. I certainly think they care just as much, if not more about this issue as we do."
The city council intends to find out how much help the county will give and then hold a special meeting next Tuesday afternoon to move on the issue, as Beer made clear that if they want the replacement equipment for next year at this time, then getting it all ordered right away is their best chance to get it, as lead times on anything are pushing out to many months if not a year for some specific items.