The Oak Grove City Council on Sept. 29 voted 5-0 to increase the city’s volunteer fire relief (PERA) annual payout to $6,200 and accepted a $324,000 federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant.

The action to raise the fire relief level — which is funded through a pass-through portion of fire insurance premium taxes administered under Minnesota’s relief/pension arrangements — passed on a motion by Councilmember Tradewell and a second by Councilmember West with an aye vote from all five council members.

Fire Chief Engler told the council the department has seen higher activity this year, reporting 39 building fires year-to-date and an increase in medical calls. He said the department received $91,000 this year in pass-through funds from the state and that the volunteer relief account is invested and administered by PERA. Engler described the reasoning for the increase as a retention and recruitment measure: “I think we'll continue, of course,” he said after noting the multi-year effort to secure grant funds.

Separately, the council unanimously accepted an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) totaling $324,000 — a grant the chief said the department had pursued for three years. Councilmember West moved acceptance and Councilmember Tradewell seconded; the motion passed 5-0.

Council and staff discussed how the PERA volunteer relief account is managed by the state board investments and how increases affect the city’s long-term funding ratio. Chief Engler explained vesting rules and the account’s conservative investment approach, noting that the city’s obligation to make direct contributions would arise only if the funding ratio dropped below statutory thresholds.

The council’s vote increases the annual per-volunteer relief figure citywide to $6,200; the council recorded the motion and vote at the Sept. 29 meeting.

Looking ahead, the chief noted the department’s upcoming community events including a pancake breakfast and continuing recruitment/explorer programs.