Virginia city council to discuss funding for fire, police departments

VIRGINIA, Minn. (Northern News Now) - Virginia city council will meet Tuesday afternoon to discuss how the town supports the fire and police departments.

Also on the agenda is a plan to direct staff to look at a potential hybrid department structure. They will then present those findings to council to vote on.

The Virginia Fire Department posted on Facebook, asking all residents to attend the meeting to voice their opinions on the future of the departments.

In a statement, the fire department said they strongly disagree with any structural changes to current emergency services.

If the city moves forward with a private ambulance service, the fire department says it would most likely result in layoffs.

The news comes as the city of Virginia is currently investigating wrongful use of sales tax revenue. Earlier this month, a 1 percent sales tax revenue designated for an event center was used for general fund expenses.

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