Robert Hall, who was a volunteer firefighter, said the department had also provided EMS services, and now the city is relying on a for-profit ambulance service based out of Harlan. Wendt said he resigned not because of the firings but because of personal reasons.

The city council now oversees the fire department, he said, and is accepting applications for volunteer firefighters. The firings were the result of a dispute between the council and department over funds the department raises. The fire department kept a separate bank account to hold monies generated by fundraisers – about $40,000, according to Shelby City Attorney Clint Fichter, who said that money is considered public funds and is governed by the same rules as tax money.

Bob Richmond, mayor pro tem, said the council had tried on several occasions to repair the situation between the city and members of the fire department. Richmond said he could not speak to the matter of the separate account since it is being litigated between the city and an attorney for the fire department. However, he said the council is working to get the fire department active again as soon as possible.

Richmond said 14 people have shown interest in joining, including past members. All fired members were notified they could reapply under a stipulation they would follow council directives and state code. A meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. today (Thursday) at city hall, 419 East St., for those interested in joining the fire department.