# Oregon Area Fire/EMS District Meeting (7/29/26)

The Oregon Area Fire/EMS District Commission meeting on July 29, 2026, reviewed the district’s six-month 2026 budget performance, which was reported as on track, and discussed a draft 2027 budget and 2027–2036 capital improvement plan. The draft budget provides for one additional full-time firefighter/medic. A possible federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) could cover most of the position’s cost for three years, after which the district would assume the full expense; the chief said the grant was uncertain. The district has secured a new fire engine for about $756,000, substantially below the roughly $1.2 million cost cited for comparable newly ordered trucks, and has reserved funds for a down payment. The transcript reflects commission support for the purchase but records no formal vote. The capital plan also anticipates phased station improvements, while replacement of the ladder truck has been pushed from 2028 to a possible 2030–2033 timeframe; no final facility design or approval was reported.

Officials said they are deferring major station decisions while a Southern Dane County shared fire protection and EMS feasibility study proceeds. A second station was estimated to cost at least $20 million while increasing the share of calls reached within four minutes only from about 70% to 73%; officials favored further study of options near the existing site. The study involves six communities and is expected to produce a report and implementation outline in November or December. The timing and results of the study may affect future facility and equipment spending. Other capital needs discussed included aging HVAC systems, a 27-year-old breathing-air compressor, and extractors, with replacement timing dependent in part on facility plans.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Public Safety, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** July 29, 2026

### Sources
- [Oregon Area Fire/EMS District Meeting (7/29/26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tiOiZ4QSDo) - OCAmedia