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Discuss the efficiency study conducted for the Lawton Fire Department by Emergency Services Consulting International (ESCI), and take action as deemed necessary.
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INITIATOR: Stan Booker, Mayor; Randy Warren, Mayor Pro Tem
STAFF INFORMATION SOURCE: Chief Jared Williams, Lawton Fire Department
BACKGROUND: In alignment with the City of Lawton's commitment to transparency, efficiency, and continuous improvement as outlined in the True North Statement, the City engaged Emergency Services Consulting International (ESCI) to act as an independent consultant to conduct a study of the Lawton Fire Department. This study aimed to evaluate the department’s operations in comparison to six peer cities, with the goal of identifying opportunities for improvement, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring operational efficiency.
The need for this study was underscored during the October 24, 2023, City Council meeting, where Fire Chief Williams presented on the department’s recruitment and retention challenges, highlighting a critical staffing crisis and significant wage disparities between Lawton and cities such as Edmond. During this discussion, Council members expressed concerns about firefighter compensation, staffing levels, response times, and the potential for the City to establish an ambulance service as a revenue source. In response, the City Council unanimously directed staff to issue an RFP or RFQ for an exhaustive study of the Fire Department. The Council’s directive was clear: the study was to thoroughly examine operational efficiencies, identify potential cost savings, and develop a comprehensive long-term plan that would enable the City to provide firefighters with competitive wages and benefits comparable to peer cities-without placing an undue tax burden on Lawton citizens.
However, the completed ESCI study fails to meet the scope and intent of the Council’s motion. The study does not provide the in-depth analysis necessary to support informed decision-making on the key issues outlined in the Council’s directive, including firefighter compensation, staffing needs, and the feasibility of an ambulance service. Additionally, following its completion, the study was reviewed using artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which determined that its findings were insufficient. This further reinforces concerns among elected officials regarding the study’s methodology, depth, and overall adequacy in addressing the City’s needs.
Given these deficiencies, it is evident that the study does not fulfill the Council’s directive, and further action is required to ensure the City obtains the comprehensive and actionable recommendations necessary to support the future of the Lawton Fire Department. The Council must now determine the appropriate next steps to secure a study that truly aligns with the intent of the motion and provides the level of analysis needed to make informed, strategic decisions.
EXHIBIT: Fire Study Presentation; ESCI Fire Study; AI Analysis of ESCI Fire Study; 10/24/23 City Council Meeting Minutes
KEY ISSUES: N/A
FUNDING SOURCE: N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION: Discuss the efficiency study conducted for the Lawton Fire Department by Emergency Services Consulting International (ESCI) and take action as deemed necessary.