The Jefferson City Council recently approved a couple of items for the volunteer fire department.

On March 24th, the Council approved to replace the roof over the fire station for $38,400 from Shafer Roofing in Adair, who was the apparent low bidder out of three bids. City Administrator Scott Peterson says the roof needed to be replaced because parts of it was leaking into the fire station and that is one of the locations where Red Lion Renewables is going to mount some solar panels to save on energy costs as well for City Hall. 

Peterson points out at last week’s meeting, the Council also approved to increase the pay that firefighters get when they respond to calls. He notes that regular firefighter pay was $20 and it will now be $25, along with increasing pay for those who are trained to a Firefighter I status, will now get $30 instead of $25 per call responded to. Peterson details that the Council also voted in favor to increase officer pay as well. He explains why the Council agreed with the recommendation from the Fire Committee.

“Because they do commit a lot of time to the training and then they’re always available then when they’re needed, and you never know when that time is going to be. But, just kudos to our fire department, they do a great job. Jack Williams is (the fire) chief and Jack runs a great ship out there. And very excited about this to be able to increase pay, but just again show appreciation, I think to our volunteers more than anything else.”      

Williams noted at the meeting that each firefighter is trained to the Firefighter I status and they must get at least 24 hours of training annually to keep that certification. The changes will take effect on July 1st.