2026/7/9 - City Council Special Workshop

The City of Caldwell held a special City Council workshop on July 9, 2026, focused primarily on the potential transition of the Caldwell Fire Department to the Caldwell Rural Fire District. The meeting included detailed discussions on the financial, legal, and operational implications of consolidating the city fire department with the rural fire district. Key topics included the impact of House Bill 389 and its amendment House Bill 959 on funding and levy caps, the challenges of funding growth and staffing shortages, and the need for a carefully planned transition timeline to avoid service disruptions. Presentations from fire chiefs and legal advisors highlighted the complexities of asset transfers, union contracts, budget authority, and the necessity of legislative changes to facilitate the consolidation. The council discussed options such as forming a new fire district, pursuing levy increases, and the importance of community involvement and transparency. No final decisions were made, but the council expressed a desire to proceed cautiously, potentially engaging consultants to assist with the process and awaiting legislative fixes before moving forward. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session to continue discussions.