Sedalia’s city council rejected a motion Monday night calling for the construction of a third fire station in the city.

A motion to reconsider Sedalia’s plan sticking with two fire stations was brought forward by First Ward councilman Tom Oldham during the public comment portion of Monday night’s city council meeting. Mayor Andrew Dawson explains the rationale for the council’s 6-1 vote to reject the idea.

A proposal that Dawson was not comfortable putting forward.

Oldham announced at a council meeting last month that he would bring forward the motion to reconsider. He had argued that Sedalia’s ISO rating could weaken without a third station as a result of longer response times, thereby causing significant insurance cost increases for city residents.

Also at Monday’s meeting, the city council recognized two retiring city employees. Information Technology director Monte Richardson was congratulated for his over 37 years with Sedalia. Michael Holman was also recognized after calling time on his 27 years with the city, most recently as a crew leader in the cemetery department.