Culver-Union Township Fire Chief Terry Wakefield presented information on a possible retirement fund, or Length of Service Awards Program, for firefighters.
He explained to the Culver Town Council that he discussed setting up the fund with Clerk-Treasurer Karen Heim and the insurance company. The fund is specifically available to volunteer fire departments. He budgeted $15,000 for this year, however the cost of the program for the first five years is approximately $39,000. After five years, the cost would decrease to $11,000 annually.
He said Union Township Trustee Marlene Mahler will help with a third of the cost with funds in her budget, and the fire department will pick up a third of the cost, and he asked if the town could pick up a third of the cost.
Initially, it will be a buy back program for the first five years. He noted that a firefighter can only qualify for the retirement fund if he or she has been with the fire department for 10 years and completes the necessary training and classes to remain eligible. When the firefighter turns the age of 65 then they may benefit from the fund.
The Culver Town Council agreed to review information on the program and vote on it in a future meeting. It may be discussed under an upcoming work session that has yet to be scheduled.
In other news, the contractor who reportedly damaged the fire department’s aerial fire truck has received a damage claim in the amount of $20,574.22.
Another firefighter will be taking necessary classes to be a part of the department which will bring the roster back up to 17, and the council approved a contract with Live Oak Electric to service the generator for four years at a cost of $900.
