BLUE EARTH — By the numbers.

The Blue Earth City Council this week heard several reports that included a variety of numbers.

The council listened to year-end updates from Chief of Police Tom Fletcher and Fire Chief Roger Davis.

Fletcher reported the police department responded to 3,318 calls during 2019. The number is down 4 percent from 2018.

“We had 108 fewer parking complaints, 47 fewer criminal investigations and 21 fewer theft-related calls,” he said. “However, there were 47 more lock checks, 32 more accidents, 22 more disturbance and disorderly conduct calls, and 12 more domestic violence cases.”

He also said there were 134 criminal citations that included 84 traffic, 50 criminal cases and 40 drug or alcohol cases, plus a few others. The police made 102 arrests during the past year.

Davis reported the fire department had 116 calls in 2019, which he said were the most ever.

“The previous high number was 107 in 2010,” he said. “In 2018, the number was 99.”

In other business, the council:

o Held a public hearing for a grant application to help purchase a new fire pumper truck in the next three years.

o Discussed the upcoming U.S. census. The council has formed a local census committee.

o Learned there are 12 applicants for the position of city administrator. Now each council member will pick his or her top five choices. The final top five will be interviewed by all council members.

o Postponed action on two bids for new carpet in three offices at City Hall.