City Council recommends gradual addition of firefighters for community needs

The Asheville City Council held a budget work session on April 8, 2025, focusing on the proposed addition of a fourth shift for the fire department and the hiring of new firefighters. The council discussed a recommendation to allocate $205,000 in the upcoming fiscal year to implement this fourth shift, which aims to enhance firefighter morale and improve health outcomes through a more normalized work schedule.

Council members emphasized the importance of a gradual approach to this initiative, suggesting that future councils should consider adding four to five additional firefighters in the FY 27 budget process. The overall goal is to eventually increase the fire department's staffing by a total of 86 firefighters, although some members expressed concerns about the pace of this implementation and its financial implications.

The discussion highlighted the need for a sustainable financial plan, as adding firefighters could necessitate tax rate increases, potentially impacting other city departments' needs. Members noted that over the past five years, the city has only added about ten full-time equivalent staff, making the proposed increase significant.

The council acknowledged the transformational potential of the fourth shift for the community and the fire department but reiterated the importance of balancing this initiative with the city's overall fiscal health. The session concluded with a consensus on the need for a structured, incremental approach to staffing changes, ensuring that the city can manage its resources effectively while addressing the needs of all departments.