A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to resident concerns about the absence of a dedicated fire department in Otsego. Multiple residents shared personal accounts of fire incidents that underscored the inadequacies of current emergency response times. David Swab, a resident affected by a million-dollar fire at his townhome complex, stressed the potentially life-saving impact of reduced response times if a local fire department were established. He highlighted the city’s rapid growth and the consequent increase in risk without adequate emergency services.

Nathan Anderson, another resident, echoed these concerns and proposed reallocating tax incentives from local businesses toward funding a new fire department. He also raised issues regarding noise violations from a nearby trucking facility.

The council meeting also included a detailed update from the interim fire chief, Mike Scott, who presented the challenges faced by the city in establishing a reliable fire service. Scott outlined staffing issues common to fire departments nationwide and noted the importance of transitioning to a combination staffing model that includes both paid and volunteer firefighters. He emphasized the need for a strategic approach to ensure effective fire service delivery, especially given Otsego’s classification as a suburban zone with specific response time standards set by the National Fire Protection Association.

Concerns over response times were further illustrated by a recounting of a real-life fire incident on Canon Drive, where the first responding engine arrived 21 minutes after the 911 call was made. This delay was attributed to reliance on fire services from neighboring cities, which often leads to longer response times and potential delays in critical situations.

In addition to emergency services, budgetary issues were a focal point of the meeting. Residents questioned the city’s financial management, particularly the use of the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to incur significant debt without voter approval. One vocal resident criticized the council’s approach, arguing that it bypasses public consent and lacks transparency. This sentiment was echoed in discussions about the proposed 2026 budget, where council members debated cost-of-living adjustments for city employees and the potential financial implications of establishing a local fire department.

The council was also urged to reconsider developer fees, as suggested by a former mayoral candidate, to generate additional city revenue and alleviate the tax burden on residents. This proposal aimed to align Otsego’s fees with neighboring communities, potentially providing a more sustainable financial model amidst the city’s growth.

The need for more direct involvement from council members in ongoing discussions with neighboring fire departments was highlighted, with a proposal for two elected officials to act as contacts in these negotiations.

The meeting concluded with the council approving the 2026 annual operating budget and property tax levy, despite some dissent regarding the implications of past tax increases.