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Fire Chief Kohner said yes. He explained that they have looked into refurbishing and rebuilding a <br /> firetruck; however, it needs a new chassis and a new water pump as well as other needs, which <br /> will add up. He noted that it would likely cost around $800,000 for the refurbishing which will <br /> give them a basically new truck. <br /> Councilmember Howell shared that at the last meeting she had suggested doing a wage freeze for <br /> all of the department heads. She noted that if they did the wage freeze then this savings would <br /> likely be able to cover the cost of the new Police Officer and Fire Inspector. <br /> Mayor Kuzma said he would not support a wage freeze as he thinks it could put them into a position <br /> to lose good talent. <br /> Councilmember Woestehoff noted that the list of reductions are all suggestions from Staff of what <br /> they see as reasonable cuts. He shared that it would be ideal to be able to have the Fire Inspector <br /> and the Police Officer but the department heads have come up with what is reasonable to give up <br /> without giving up any level of service. He added that he would like to go back to the two year <br /> payment term for the fire engine. <br /> Councilmember Musgrove said she would like to look into the wage freeze and doing market rate <br /> adjustments rather than a COLA. <br /> Councilmember Specht asked if they have a contractual obligation to pay out COLA increases <br /> every year. <br /> Finance Director Lund said she is not sure. <br /> Councilmember Riley shared that he does not support a wage freeze as they have worked through <br /> a lot of turnover in the past and they finally have a good, full Staff that they can rely on. He added <br /> that the suggested reduction items are coming directly from the department heads, so he does not <br /> want to question what they have already decided are not priorities for their departments. <br /> Councilmember Howell said she does not think they will lose Staff due to a one year wage freeze. <br /> She shared that she is very frustrated that the Council is dissing her, and Councilmember <br /> Musgrove's suggestions and they are just looking to rubber stamp these changes. <br /> Mayor Kuzma reiterated that he does not support a wage freeze. <br /> Councilmember Specht said he would need more information on a wage freeze before he was able <br /> to make a decision. He noted that he values the opinions of all Councilmembers. <br /> City Administrator Hagen shared that the current build time for a fire engine is around 30 months <br /> so even if they were to pay for the engine over two years, they would not have it any faster than if <br /> they pay for it over three years. <br /> City Council Work Session/August 12, 2024 <br /> Page 4 of 12 <br />