A council motion to retain the municipal fire department and begin planning to bolster staffing failed on a voice/hand vote; members asked staff to return with contract language, auto-aid assurances and refined cost figures before the next meeting.

Council heard hours of public comment, staff presentations and council questions about whether to retain the Valley Center Fire Department or transfer services to Sedgwick County Fire District 1. Finance staff presented millage scenarios and the public safety director warned that maintaining status quo without auto-aid would be unsafe.