Cloquet Fire District leaders advocate for state funding amid rising operational costs

The Minnesota House tax panel convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss House File 526, a proposed legislation aimed at establishing annual fire and ambulance special district aid. This initiative seeks to address funding challenges faced by fire districts, particularly the Cloquet Area Fire District, which has been significantly impacted by a lack of state support.

During the meeting, representatives highlighted the critical role of the Cloquet Area Fire District in public safety, noting its highly trained staff and advanced life support ambulance services. The district has achieved an ISO rating of 3, which lowers insurance rates for residents in the area. However, fire district leaders expressed concerns about long-term sustainability due to insufficient funding from the state, especially after missing out on a recent $300 million public safety aid package.

Chief Jesse Bews of the Cloquet Area Fire District emphasized that the legislation is not about creating new districts but rather about providing necessary aid to existing ones. He pointed out that many rural communities within the district previously had higher ISO ratings, which negatively affected homeowners' insurance rates. The collective efforts of these communities have improved their ISO rating, but ongoing financial support is crucial for maintaining these services.

The discussion also included input from representatives of the Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe, who are part of the proposed aid framework. The panel acknowledged the importance of recognizing the contributions of ambulance and fire special districts in addressing regional emergency service challenges.

As the meeting concluded, lawmakers were urged to consider the urgent need for state funding to ensure the sustainability of fire and ambulance services in Minnesota. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the proposed legislation and its potential impact on public safety across the state.