Council unanimously approves $56.5M fire department budget amid response time improvements

Los Alamos County Council made significant strides in budget planning during their special meeting on April 22, 2025, particularly regarding the fire department's funding and the ongoing challenges faced by the police department.

The council unanimously approved a proposed budget of $56,472,166 for the fire department, reflecting a commitment to maintaining high service standards. Fire Chief discussed the department's impressive performance, noting they have met emergency response times at the 90th percentile over the past year. This achievement underscores the department's dedication to public safety and effective emergency management.

Councilor Reedy raised questions about discrepancies in budget figures related to interdepartmental charges, highlighting the complexities of funding allocations. The fire chief clarified that these charges are essential for supporting shared services across departments, ensuring transparency in financial operations.

Meanwhile, the police department's budget discussions revealed ongoing concerns about resource limitations. The department is focused on training and professional development, especially as many employees approach retirement eligibility. The chief emphasized the importance of recruitment and retention strategies to maintain operational capacity, given the extensive training required for new hires.

The meeting also touched on community engagement efforts, including support for Special Olympics and the continuation of a citizens academy aimed at building trust within the community. The police chief acknowledged the challenge of balancing multiple community needs with limited resources, stressing the importance of strategic planning to address crime and public safety effectively.

As Los Alamos County moves forward, the approved fire department budget and the police department's focus on community engagement and resource management will be crucial in shaping public safety initiatives in the coming years.