Eldridge city officials and volunteer firefighters have spent over a year trying to figure out the future of the town’s small and overworked department.
Would the Eldridge Volunteer Fire Company hire a full-time chief? Would it remain an independent nonprofit? How much city money would it need to operate?
City officials say an agreement was close in April. But after two months of internal discussions, the department voted last month to remain independent, and request a $766,516 contribution from city taxpayers.
A string of posts on the department’s Facebook page have argued that city officials will jeopardize the future of fire service in Eldridge if they don’t approve the budget request by July 15. The $766K sum is more than double the allottment in this year’s city budget —already the highest sum on record.
Fire Chief Keith Schneckloth says the sum is needed to hire full-time staff and maintain and replace capital equipment.
City officials say a crisis once attributed to volunteer “burnout” has turned into a demand for cash the city simply doesn't have.
They have also pointed out that Schneckloth was fired from his role as city mechanic last year for alleged misuse of city funds, which a state judge ruled “substantial” misconduct. Schneckloth has denied wrongdoing.
City officials said Monday they would continue to negotiate “in good faith,” but the department said negotiations were exhausted, and their ask firm.
Read more throughout this week’s North Scott Press.