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Fire chief cites overtime, aging fleet and targeted pilot units as priorities in budget briefing
Summary
Cincinnati Fire Department leaders told the finance committee that overtime spending remains high and that the department needs more authorized positions and fleet replacement. They reported recent steps including recruit classes, two afternoon/evening medic transport units and an alternative-response pilot using lighter ALS units.
Frank McKinley, fire chief of the Cincinnati Fire Department, told the Budget & Finance Committee that the department continues to rely on overtime to fill operational gaps and needs a longer-term fleet and staffing plan to improve readiness and morale.
Chief McKinley said the department’s authorized uniform headcount is 841 FTEs; the administration previously budgeted for 859 FTEs in 2019, and the department’s on-duty roster at the briefing was about 853. The department reported overtime spending of approximately $5.2 million in quarter 1 and $3.8 million in quarter 2 and said those totals include one-time professional-development overtime and retro pay; when those items are removed, the chief said overtime is relatively flat with FY 2024.
On operati…
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