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Fire department seeks maintenance, training and equipment funding; two‑year contract preserves staffing
Summary
Fire leaders said the department negotiated a two‑year agreement that maintains staffing and step increases but does not include broad pay raises this budget year; the department requested funding for dormitory repairs, apparatus maintenance, special‑operations training and equipment for ALS/monitoring capability.
Fire Department leadership told council its budget includes no across‑the‑board base pay raises for firefighters this year because the department negotiated a two‑year agreement that secures staffing additions and step increases while preserving certifications pay.
“Our budget includes zero pay raises for our guys. They have agreed to a two‑year contract ... they have agreed to just get the step raises and, of course, ensure that they get pay raises for, if they get a paramedic or any extra certification that is included,” Chief Craig said.
The nut graf: The fire department described several material budget increases: roughly $120,000 earmarked to update dormitories (line 5415), an increase to vehicle and apparatus maintenance (combined to $240,000) to cover NFPA‑required testing and DOT inspections, and an added training line (about $30,000 increase) to fund special‑operations training (water rescue, hazardous materials, confined‑space, trench rescue) and a staff member responsible for certifications.
Staff also said the department moved some community events and recognition spending into a renamed “special events” account to consolidate lines and to plan for a city centennial and other outreach. The department noted capital items including turnout gear rotation and replacement, cascade systems at stations, and heart monitors (cited at roughly $40,000 each) for ALS capability.
Council members asked about line‑item changes, such as trunk‑or‑treat and expo spending that staff consolidated. Fire staff said the consolidation was intended to streamline reporting and that they will provide a cleaned‑up P&L and budget packet for council review before the May 27 reading.
The department also discussed equipment maintenance and lifecycle planning for apparatus and tools, including battery‑powered extrication tools and replacement cycles.
