City Council approves fire department's new training officer position and budget adjustments

The Angola Common Council meeting held on July 8, 2025, addressed several key issues concerning the city’s budget and staffing, particularly within the fire department. The meeting began with discussions on the financial outlook for the city, emphasizing the importance of maintaining fiscal responsibility without imposing additional burdens on taxpayers.

Council members expressed concerns about potential revenue shortfalls but agreed that detailed financial discussions would be reserved for the upcoming budget process. The mayor noted that many surrounding communities are implementing a 0% increase for employee salaries this year, while Angola is considering a modest increase of up to 4%. This proposal aims to ensure equity and morale among city employees, which was highlighted as a priority by council members.

A significant agenda item was the addition of a new position within the fire department. The council approved the creation of a training officer role, which will focus on internal training and a high school training program. This decision comes alongside the elimination of the lieutenant classification, which had been deemed unnecessary due to a lack of personnel at that rank.

Concerns were raised about the current staffing levels within the fire department, with several council members expressing that the department is understaffed. However, it was clarified that the new ordinance does not prevent future staffing increases. The mayor indicated that discussions about adding more personnel could continue, depending on budgetary constraints.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote in favor of the proposed salary ordinance, reflecting a collective commitment to addressing staffing and retention challenges within the fire department. The council members expressed optimism that these measures would help improve employee retention and overall service quality in the community.