The City Commission reviewed several fire-department items in the proposed budget, including a transition to a full-time fire inspector and capital planning for apparatus replacement.

City Manager Dale Martin and Chief Cox told the commission the budget includes converting a current firefighter to a full-time fire inspector and that the city is recruiting to backfill that firefighter position. Chief Cox said moving to dedicated inspection capacity is intended to improve fire-inspection coverage that has lagged in recent years. "We are substantially behind on fire inspections," Martin said, noting the shift is included in the proposed budget.

Commissioners also questioned the city's fire-vehicle reserve. The capital-improvement plan shows the next frontline apparatus replacement planned in about five years with a projected cost of about $1.4 million; staff recommended maintaining a reserve target of about $100,000 to help offset future purchases. Some commissioners said the replacement cadence seemed aggressive and urged revisiting the target; Chief Cox cited National Fire Protection Association guidance recommending 10-to-15-year frontline replacement cycles and said equipment costs and supply-chain delays are increasing lead times and prices.

Separately, the city secured a high-water vehicle from the U.S. Forest Service at no cost; staff reported estimates of about $5,000–$7,000 to make that vehicle fully operational. The commission asked staff to track and return with firm quotes for vehicle preparation and for a strategic apparatus replacement plan that explains timelines, costs and potential funding sources.