St. Louis Fire Chief Jackerson presents $71M budget to Board of Aldermen

The Budget and Public Employees Committee of the St. Louis City Council convened on May 8, 2025, to discuss the fiscal year 2026 budget, focusing primarily on the St. Louis Fire Department's funding needs and challenges. The meeting commenced with a commendation for the committee clerk, Miss Ora, for her diligent note-taking during lengthy sessions.

The primary agenda item was the review of Board Bill Number 1, which pertains to the city’s budget for fiscal year 2026. The committee heard presentations from the Fire Department, followed by the Board of Aldermen, and concluded with a discussion on the Police Department's budget.

Chief Jackerson of the St. Louis Fire Department presented the department's budget request of $75,154,741, which was ultimately proposed at $71,000,008.75. The chief highlighted that the majority of the budget is allocated to personnel costs, with a total of 586 firefighters, 29 medics, and various support staff. He emphasized the need for additional EMS personnel to address the increasing demand for emergency medical services, noting a shortage of paramedics.

The chief also discussed the Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT) program, which provides crucial funding for EMS operations through Medicaid reimbursements. He expressed concerns about potential changes to this funding model, which could significantly impact the department's ability to respond to emergencies.

A key point of discussion was the reduction in the budget for protective clothing, which was cut by $175,000. This reduction poses challenges for outfitting new recruits, as each firefighter requires two sets of gear for safety and health reasons. The chief explained that the department has been actively hiring to fill vacancies, but the current budget constraints could hinder their ability to maintain adequate staffing levels.

The committee also addressed the issue of overtime costs, which have been exacerbated by the city's paid family medical leave policy. Chief Jackerson noted that the current policy has led to increased overtime expenses, as many firefighters utilize the additional leave, resulting in a reliance on overtime staffing.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the pressing need for adequate funding to support the Fire Department's operations and personnel. The committee plans to continue discussions on the budget and its implications for public safety in St. Louis, with follow-up actions expected in the coming weeks.