CAMDENTON, Mo. — The merging of Camdenton's Fire Department into Mid County Fire Protection District will save the city money and lead to better services for local residents, city officials say.
On Sept. 20, Camdenton’s Board of Alderman (BOA) authorized Bill 2645-16, an Intergovernmental Agreement with Mid-County Fire Protection District (MCFPD) for fire protection, emergency medical services, and fire prevention services. A memo prepared by City Administrator Hancock and provided to the BOA notes the bill “eliminates duplication, is in the best interest of the taxpayer, and provides better health and safety services to … [Camdenton’s] citizens and visitors.”
One added and perhaps unanticipated benefit of the merger will help the City provide better communications for the police department while also saving money. As Chief Wright noted in the department’s monthly report, Camdenton needs to improve radio communications by overcoming challenges presented by the city’s terrain. Wright wrote, “Radio specialists believe … communication would greatly improve by adding a repeater to … [the] system.” Because of the Camdenton Fire Department’s central location and elevation, it would have been ideal but “would not support additional antennas at the height needed for this project.”
The City then began to consider a new tower and repeater with an estimated cost of $40,000. Bids showed the cost to be at least $74,998, nearly double the estimated cost. Initial conversations between MCFPD and the City suggest MCFPD will not need the tower.
Hancock shared the progress being made, telling the BOA that modifications and additions would be less than the original $40,000 and the savings would allow the City to buy newer, more effective radios for use by officers. He and Chief Wright will continue to research solutions and inform the BOA.
Chief Wright also provided a written history of rates and annual costs paid to the Camden County Sheriff’s Department (CCSD) for dispatch services. That report included information about a March 2016 invoice showing an increase of more than $35,000 for the police department alone, based upon a per-call charge.
This unexpected increase led to negotiations between CCSD and the city. The result is an annual base price for the coming year and establishing an annual increase not to exceed 3%. The change from a per-call charge to an annual price based upon an average over the last five years will help the City budget for this expense. Camdenton’s BOA approved the contract renewal with CCSD under these terms.
Other Meeting Business
Camdenton’s BOA unanimously voted for the 2016-2017 budget and amendments to the 2015-2016 budget.
Camdenton’s City Park will be the site for the 2016 Walk for Alzheimer’s on September 24. Later in October, the City hopes to stage a grand opening for the new tennis courts.
