Lede: The Michigan City Fire Department told the finance committee on Sept. 24 that adopting a cloud‑based run‑report and inspection platform is increasing recurring contract costs in 2026, and staff are evaluating an additional GPS‑based wearable system for firefighters.

Nut graf: Fire Chief Barrett Taylor and deputy Frank Reebach said the department moved to a cloud platform for run reports, inspections and records, and that the first year was prorated; a full‑year subscription increases the department's contractual line by tens of thousands of dollars. The department has also explored a GPS watch system estimated at roughly $16,000–$17,000 and said some ARPA funding covered earlier purchases.

Body: Chief Taylor told the committee the department switched to a cloud system that integrates run reports, inspections and other records; because the previous year was a partial year the 2026 budget reflects the full annual cost. He described the platform as more efficient and said it supports real‑time inspections and streamlined report generation.

"This one's cloud based. There's a lot more that we can do with it. ... He can go to a business and do it real time because it's all through the cloud," Taylor said when explaining the advantages for inspection work. The department also described a possible GPS watch pilot for personnel tracking and safety; the chief said they may pause that expense pending further evaluation.

Officials noted that some programs had been paid with ARPA funds previously, and as ARPA funding phases out those line items move to ongoing operations. Fire department labor negotiations were discussed separately and the negotiating team said it will meet in the coming days to analyze cost impacts for the budget.

The finance committee recommended accepting the fire department's proposed 2026 budget as presented and requested follow up on any new subscriptions before contracts are finalized.

Ending: The department will continue evaluating the GPS device option and will notify the committee about contract timing and any use of general funds to replace ARPA support.