Fire District Bylaws Discussed

RIPON, Wis (WRPN)- An ad-hoc committee of the Ripon Area Fire District met last week to work out differences over the bylaws.

There has been a perception that the City of Ripon is holding the purchase of a fire truck over the rest of the district to get changes made to the bylaws. Ripon City Attorney Lud Wurtz said there was no connection between the purchase of the truck and wanting to change the bylaws. He said it was no ultimatum.

According to the bylaws the district board can authorize the purchase of a fire truck, but it needed to be included in the district’s budget.

The committee worked on aspects of the bylaws pertaining to joining and leaving the district. There is a possibility the Town of Metomen might join.

Committee members talked about requiring those joining to do so for five years. In return they would get a discount for membership, but if they left before five years would have to pay back that amount. They also discussed requiring a 30 month notice if a member is going to leave the district.

Committee members said the goal was to keep the district moving forward. They also felt that some of their negotiations would have to be done in closed session. Another meeting of the committee will be scheduled.

The fire truck purchase will cost the district $898,000. It is supposed to be delivered in April.

To watch the meeting on The Ripon Channel click here.