The Town of Stratford's Ordinance Committee held a special budget workshop on April 2, 2024, where key discussions centered on the operational budgets of the fire department and emergency medical services (EMS), highlighting the challenges and strategies in maintaining public safety.

Fire Chief Atkinson reported that the fire department is currently fully staffed with 99 personnel, including 92 firefighters, and has seen a slight increase in staffing due to a new hire. The department's budget reflects the costs associated with overtime, which is necessary when staff members take sick leave or use earned time off. Chief Atkinson explained that while the department is fully staffed, the overtime costs remain high due to contractual obligations and the seniority of many firefighters, which leads to higher pay rates. The chief emphasized that even with increased staffing, overtime costs would likely remain stable due to these contractual factors.

Council members praised the fire department for effectively managing its budget, with Councilman Aurelia commending the reasonable budget presented. The discussion also touched on the importance of maintaining adequate staffing ratios to ensure community safety.

In the EMS segment, Superintendent JP Trzinski outlined a budget increase of $78,000 for the upcoming year, primarily due to rising operational costs. He noted that the department is facing challenges related to staffing and overtime, particularly following the departure of a dispatcher, which has led to increased overtime expenses. Trzinski assured the committee that the proposed budget would allow EMS to continue delivering the same level of service as in previous years.

The meeting concluded with recognition of the EMS team's efforts, particularly highlighting the recent appointment of Mike Louise as the state’s EMS Advocacy Coordinator, which reflects positively on the community's emergency services.

Overall, the workshop underscored the ongoing commitment of Stratford's public safety departments to manage their budgets effectively while addressing the needs of the community. The discussions will inform future budget decisions as the town continues to prioritize safety and service delivery for its residents.