Item 5.1.D. Firefighter 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 (D) – 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 Full-Time Firefighter 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 Full-Time Firefighter position. This position was initially
authorized for recruitment for a Fire Captain at the February 9th City Council meeting. City Staff is proposing to hire a
full-time Firefighter in-lieu of a second Fire Captain at this time.
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 are recommending the hiring of Grant Carlson
for the position of Full-Time Firefighter. Grant will work with Chief McCoy on preparing the department for
operations. While staff intended to hire a second Fire Captain, Grant was an exceptional candidate for firefighter and
leadership potential. Grant’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 Grant Carlson to the position of Full-Time Firefighter, at Pay Grade 7, 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.