Public Safety Committee reviews 2026 fire and EMS operating budget proposals

At its Aug. 27 meeting, the Public Safety Committee took a first look at the proposed 2026 operating budgets for the fire department and ambulance service, reviewing current-year results, projected revenue streams and priority increases under a citywide 3% levy-cap guideline. The fire department presentation showed a current-year “holdover” balance of $858,000 and reported the department is about 5.5% under budget through August. The Fire Chief said staffing was down two full-time members for the first two months of the year and that overtime and maintenance pressures remain the primary budget risks. “One of the nice things on overtime…we’re up $4,000 overall, which…is a pretty light number compared to where we have been in years past,” the Fire Chief said. Why it matters: the committee’s review frames the department’s request ahead of citywide budget deliberations. The presentation identified several specific cost drivers — unexpectedly large repair bills, equipment and telephone charges — that will shape whether the department must draw fund balance or shift other line items. Key points from the presentation - Current-year position and carryover: The Fire Chief said the department’s carryover…