New Castle County Fire Service Strategic Planning Committee Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 2:00pm by Co-Chair Dennis Godek.

Meeting Minutes from January 15, 2026, were reviewed and discussed.

Executive Order 2026-01 was created to amend the following two motion requested changes of Executive Order 2025-05.

The Committee considered amendments to the by-laws in accordance with the Executive Order.

Clarification was requested whether redevelopment of Brownfield Projects is subject to impact fees.

Questions were raised regarding a third-party study believed to have been conducted in 2025.

Leadership met with the County Executive, Chief Administrative Officer, and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer to discuss budget matters.

Under Executive Order 2026-01, the Committee is obligated to discuss the recommendations contained in the FACETS Report.

Discussion clarified that should the County and Fire Service be parties to a future operational or deployment study, they would have greater authority and involvement in both the consultant selection process and ongoing oversight of the study.

The Committee received a detailed overview of countywide tax exemption and assessment data.

An update was provided on proposed legislation to modify building permit fee caps contributing to the New Castle County Fire Service Fund.

The Committee discussed establishing a regular meeting schedule.

Michael Edwards expressed support for continued collaboration between County Government and the Fire Service.