![Waite Park Approves Fire Service Agreement](https://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/10/attachment-Waite-Park-Fire-Department.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Waite Park Approves Fire Service Agreement
WAITE PARK (WJON News) -- The City of Waite Park has formalized its fire service agreement with St. Cloud. The Waite Park City Council voted four to one Monday night to approve a ten-year fire service agreement.
St. Cloud had been helping provide fire service for Waite Park since June under a mutual aid agreement. The cost for the service to Waite Park is about $300,000 to $500,000 a year. Mayor Rick Miller says it was important to get a contract in place:
"I think it's important. Their response time is very good, ours is very good as a volunteer fire department, but this truck will come out of fire station number two, and fire station number two is pretty much in our back yard so I think it's very important for our citizens."
Miller says the city's volunteer firefighter numbers are down to 13 from a normal 30 which is why St. Cloud's assistance is needed, and it would cost the city over two million dollars a year to have a full-time fire department.
![AM 1240 WJON logo](https://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/11/attachment-wjonam-alexacard-big.jpg?w=100)
He says he hopes the city can get back up to full staff sooner versus later and the entire length of the contract won't be needed. Either city can opt out of the contract with one year's written notice.
READ MORE FROM AUTHOR PAUL HABSTRITT:
- See 3D Photo Exhibit in Little Falls
- New Italian Restaurant to Open in Little Falls
- Little Falls Students Make a Splash for a Good Cause
- Restoring Downtown Little Falls -- One Piece of the Puzzle
- Couple Helping Restore Downtown Little Falls One Building at a Time
- Paynesville to Link to Two Trails Starting in 2024
- Paynesville Native Touring for Latest Novel
Waite Park Opens The Ledge Amphitheater
Come With Us and Tour Gilman in Pictures
Come With Us and Tour Clear Lake in Pictures
More From AM 1240 WJON
![St. Cloud Man Charged With Arson Following Apartment Fire](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-James-Lund.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Emergency Repairs Underway at St. Cloud Wastewater Forcemain](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2019/01/Wastewater.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Cloud Native Making A Difference In Flooded Waterville](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2024/07/attachment-Waterville-Minnesota-Google-Maps.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Fire Damages St. Cloud Garage Overnight](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2018/11/Fire-Department1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Fire Damages North St. Cloud Home Monday](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/12/attachment-DSC07206.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Stearns County Board Approves Plan for New Justice Center](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2019/07/20190712_182139.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Waite Park’s Family Fun Fest Kicks Off On Monday](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/06/attachment-FunFest3.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Cloud Sets Opening Date for Wading Pools](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/06/attachment-Rotary-Park-Wading-Pool-6-2-23.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![UPDATE: Waite Park Council Approves New Generator For Public Works Bldg](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/01/attachment-DSC02021.jpg?w=980&q=75)