During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the funding of firefighter positions and the implications of upcoming budget modifications. The finance committee previously approved funding for a community resource position through 2026, but the future of three firefighter positions remains uncertain. Currently, funding for these firefighters, which was partially sourced from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is set to expire at the end of 2024.

The committee highlighted that approximately $67,000 in ARPA funds remain unallocated, which, when combined with leftover firefighter funds, could help bridge a projected $35,000 shortfall for 2025. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the impending expiration of funding for nine SAFER positions in February 2026, which could lead to a simultaneous funding gap for all positions.

To address this, the committee is considering a budget modification to utilize leftover funds for the firefighter positions and is exploring potential savings from other budget lines. However, the discussion also revealed the challenges posed by levy limits, which restrict the ability to increase funding without a referendum. A referendum is anticipated in the spring of 2025, as there are no fall elections that year, to seek voter approval for lifting levy limits to support firefighter funding.

Concerns were raised about the potential failure of the referendum, which could leave the city scrambling for alternative funding sources, such as a wheel tax or reserves. The financial implications are significant, with an estimated $1.2 million needed annually to sustain the 12 firefighter positions.

The committee acknowledged the growing trend among cities statewide to seek referendums for public safety funding, reflecting a broader recognition of the need for investment in public safety amidst changing community attitudes towards taxation. As the city prepares for the referendum, officials emphasized the importance of educating the public on the financial implications and the necessity of maintaining adequate firefighter staffing levels.