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Josephine prepares to transition fire service, hire chief and expand police staff and equipment
Summary
Council heard plans for the volunteer fire department’s transition to municipal service and for hiring a fire chief by July. Police leaders requested pay‑and‑staffing changes including a lateral hire policy, FTO compensation and an 84‑hour pay period; equipment and vehicle needs were also raised.
City officials outlined the next steps to convert local volunteer fire services toward a municipal model, to hire a fire chief and to increase police staffing and equipment to keep pace with growth.
Fire transition and hiring: Staff said the city plans to appoint a fire chief (the position will serve at the pleasure of council like the city attorney and city secretary) and expects to begin candidate interviews after a May–June posting, with a goal of hiring in July. Staff said the city will coordinate interview input from council and fire stakeholders, and that a subcommittee or select panel including neighboring chiefs could participate.
Staffing projections: A consultant study previously shared with council estimated the city’s staff needs would expand sharply as the municipal fire program and growth are absorbed. Staff noted the city currently lists about 33 employees (with multiple vacancies) and that hiring tied to the fire transition and other city needs could increase the employee count toward a figure cited in the meeting of about 74 positions over a multi‑year horizon; staff emphasized that volunteer roles, part‑time positions and benefits differ and will be treated according to the conversion plan.
Police requests: The police chief (name not specified in the transcript) presented multiple near‑term requests: adopt a lateral‑hire pay policy (allowing experienced officers to start at higher steps), compensate field training officers (FTOs) for training duties, and move to an 84‑hour pay period to eliminate scheduling “short days.” The chief also requested additional patrol officers, supervisory positions (an additional lieutenant), investigative support and equipment such as ballistic shields and updated firearms. The chief said local competition for officers is intense and recommended compensation adjustments to remain competitive with neighboring agencies.
Equipment and station capacity: Staff said the new public‑safety building has vehicle bays long enough to hold additional apparatus and that one additional bay could be added in future construction. Staff and council discussed a potential developer contribution toward a ladder truck tied to higher density projects, though no agreement was proposed at the work session.
What was not decided: The council did not adopt staffing pay changes, authorize specific hires, or approve equipment purchases at the work session; staff will return with budget requests and candidate vetting materials.
