Fort Madison, IA – It looks like city leaders will have a 3 month window to find new ways to fund the Fort Madison Fire Department.
Mayor Steve Ireland has authorized the department to utilize overtime hours and pay, until the first of the year, to maintain adequate staffing levels.
He plans to use that time to meet with local businesses and industries to discuss fire service needs and possible annual fees.
The move comes after the city council chose to not fill a vacancy in the department and to deny the use of overtime to cover the open spot.
That prompted concerns to be raised as to whether the vacancy would prevent the Fort Madison Fire Department from providing services.
Ireland says the idea of adding volunteer firefighters to the department is also being considered.