Item 5.1.B. Fire Captain Hire
Request for
City Council Action
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT REQUESTOR: MEETING DATE:
Fire Fire Chief McCoy June 22, 2026
PRESENTER(s) REVIEWED BY: ITEM #:
Fire City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty
Assistant City Administrator/Human Resources Hille
5.1 (B) – Hiring Approval
STRATEGIC VISION
MEETS: THE CITY OF OTSEGO:
Is a strong organization that is committed to leading the community through innovative communication.
Has proactively expanded infrastructure to responsibly provide core services.
X Is committed to delivery of quality emergency service responsive to community needs and expectations in a
cost-effective manner.
X Is a social community with diverse housing, service options, and employment opportunities.
Is a distinctive, connected community known for its beauty and natural surroundings.
AGENDA ITEM DETAILS
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommend the City Council approve the hiring for a Fire Captain position.
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT? IS A PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED?
No No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
City staff are requesting the City Council approve hiring for a Fire Captain position. This position was authorized for
recruitment at the February 9, 2026, City Council meeting.
The 2026 General Fund Budget includes the hiring of three Fire Captains during 2026. The previous Emergency
Services Director’s staffing plan identified the hiring of these positions with start dates in November 2026, which was
accounted for in the budgeting process.
Interim Fire Chief Scott updated the City Council at a previous meeting on January 26, 2026, and provided a
recommendation to move the hiring timeline earlier in the year. This recommendation was supported by the peer
review consulting firm, Citygate Associates, in their memo to the City Council.
After a competitive pool of applicants and interview process, City staff is recommending the hiring of Aaron Ende for
the position of Fire Captain. Aaron’s estimated start date would be July 6. This hiring is contingent on successful
completion of all pre-employment screens, which include a medical evaluation, drug screen, background check, and
psychological evaluation.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
• None
POSSIBLE MOTION
PLEASE WORD MOTION AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR IN THE MINUTES:
Motion to approve the hiring of Aaron Ende to the position of Fire Captain, at Pay Grade 9, Step 1.
BUDGET INFORMATION
FUNDING: BUDGETED:
General Fund – Fire Department (42200)
Yes. However, the change in hiring timeline is not fully
accounted for in the General Fund as presented and
discussed at the February 9, 2026, meeting.