Staffing, expansion top list of priorities in Columbia Fire strategic plan

The Columbia Fire Department outlines reported weaknesses and strengths, and what the department aims to accomplish through 2021, in their strategic plan released Friday.

After an internal review of staff and a survey of department customers, the department found multiple areas for improvement in coming years. Those include training, staffing and building additional fire stations to keep up with the city’s growth.

“As the community grows, and our capabilities stay the same as far as staffing and station location, we see an increase in response time,” Assistant Chief Brad Frazier said Friday.

The department has identified three portions of Columbia that could use an additional fire station, but “that costs money,” Frazier said.

Frazier said the department could distribute their current staff to fill two new stations, but a third would require at another company of firefighters.

The Columbia City Council is responsible for appropriating funds and resources for additional personnel and fire stations.

According to Ward 5 Council Member Matt Pitzer, there is money on hand for new equipment , but recurring costs like staff salaries will require another source of revenue.

Michael Trapp, councilman for ward 2, said a property tax could bring in the funds necessary to expand the department.