Fire/EMS highlights growing call volumes and plans for staffing and equipment; county cost‑share discussed

Fire and EMS leadership told the council that call volume has increased about 18 percent year over year and that the department faces more frequent back‑to‑back incidents that strain frontline coverage. Staff said they had previously added six personnel over the last year in a staggered hiring plan but still face recruitment challenges to fill the remaining open positions.

The department described operational approaches to reduce overtime and stabilize staffing, such as increasing part‑time staffing to avoid overtime and continuing recruitment; they reported the current requirement to staff a minimum number per shift. Staff also presented capital requests: replacement and new apparatus are included in the five‑to‑six‑figure capital program and a replacement fire engine was described as having a multi‑year lead time (staff estimated four years delivery), so procurement and financing planning should begin now.

Council and staff discussed county‑wide service models, cost‑sharing and the possibility that current tax bases will not sustain projected growth in service needs; staff said they will pursue additional county conversations and potential funding approaches (including exploring state grant programs) and will bring proposals back to a future joint meeting with county leaders. No formal action was taken at the workshop.