City Council Waives $75,000 in Rural Fire Bills for March Wildfire Victims

The Stillwater City Council unanimously approved a resolution Monday to waive approximately $75,000 in rural fire bills for property owners affected by the March 14, 2025 wildfire disaster. The decision aims to support disaster recovery efforts and provide financial relief to residents still rebuilding from the devastating fires.

The waiver applies to 24 billable incidents out of 89 total fire department responses during the March 14-19 period. Many of the responses involved checking hotspots where no billable service was provided, according to fire department officials.

"As we watch our community recover from the March 14th wildfires, this is a really important opportunity for the city to step in and provide some relief," said Vice Mayor Amy Dzialowski. "It's quite clear as you talk to families and people out in the community that have been impacted by these wildfires, that the unmet needs in our community are still quite large."

The resolution specifically covers Stillwater Fire Department services provided to properties in the fire district but outside city limits. The waiver recognizes the hardship faced by property owners and supports timely recovery and rebuilding efforts, which the council determined serves a public purpose.

City Manager Brady Moore is directed to implement the resolution immediately. The waiver is limited to services provided specifically in response to the March 14 wildfires and applies to any affected property owner.

Meanwhile, wildfire victims continue to have access to additional financial assistance through the Stillwater Strong Relief Fund, which remains available through the end of July. The fund, supported by more than 1,500 donors, has raised over $545,000 to support renters and homeowners impacted by the fires.

"Because of the generosity of more than 1500 donors, over $545,000 is available to support renters and homeowners who have been impacted," Dzialowski said.

The council also encourages wildfire victims to apply for FEMA and SBA aid before the July 22 deadline. A survey is available through the United Way website to help identify unmet needs not covered by federal assistance programs.

Fire Station #2 Grand Opening Announced

In other developments, the city prepares to celebrate the grand opening of Fire Station Number 2 on July 22 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 1701 N. Western Rd.

"Come explore the new station with guided tours and celebrate this exciting milestone made possible by the support of Stillwater voters in 2022," said Councilor Christie Hawkins. "Together, let's sound the alarm that our new fire station is open and ready to help serve the community."

Mayor Will Joyce expressed enthusiasm about the project's completion, noting the long-awaited nature of the facility. "That's been a long time coming and certainly appreciate the voter support for making that happen," Joyce said.

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Block 34 On Track for July 26 Debut

The city also announced the Block 34 dedication ceremony scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, July 26. The event will occur during Dancing Turtle, the first event in the new community space, and will feature live entertainment and shared moments in downtown Stillwater.

Block 34 includes the Kicker Soundstage and Simmons Bank Pavilion among its amenities. The project represents years of planning and collaboration between multiple partners, including the Irby family, Kicker, Simmons Bank, city staff, engineers, architects, and the Stillwater Community Center Foundation.

"Block 34 has been a true team effort," Joyce said.

The council also addressed routine business, including updates to utility terms and conditions of service and approval of Federal Aviation Administration grant applications for Stillwater Regional Airport improvements. Two airport-related resolutions totaling over $1.9 million in federal funding were approved for passenger boarding bridge, baggage conveyor, and furniture and equipment installations.