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Council approves increases to rescue stipends and fire department budget amid recruitment concerns
Summary
Councilors approved a budget that raises rescue stipends, restores several operating line items, and added fuel funding after the fire chief described higher gear and staffing costs and the need to attract ALS personnel.
Warren ' The Town Council approved the fire and safety operating budget after the fire chief presented detailed actuals from the prior year and a five-year analysis of EMS stipends.
The chief told councilors that increases in gear costs and the number of probationary members in training have pushed stipend and equipment requests higher, and that the department is trying to recruit and retain advanced life-support (ALS) personnel by raising stipend rates and occasionally adding extra shifts during high-demand periods.
The chief provided a five-year stipend analysis showing third-party billing revenue that offsets much of the stipend expense but also showing year-to-date gaps. He described differences between basic EMT, cardiac, and paramedic classifications and said the department wants more ALS staffing on calls because ALS-capable trucks provide advanced interventions and medications.
Councilors discussed whether stipend increases might prompt comparable raises in neighboring towns, and the chief said his proposed increases are intended to bring local payments closer to regional comparables and to help fill frequent second-call staffing gaps in summer months.
Separately, the council voted to add $10,000 to the fire department's fuel line because year-to-date actuals suggested the current $30,000 allocation was likely to be exceeded. Councilor vote on the fuel increase preceded a motion to approve the total fire and safety budget.
On a voice vote, the council approved the department's total operating figure as presented. Councilors praised the chief for the packet materials and asked staff to keep monitoring actuals for the rest of the fiscal year.
No changes to policy or service levels were ordered beyond the budgeted increases; councilors and the chief agreed to revisit stipend outcomes in future budget cycles if the recruitment measures do not produce the expected staffing gains.
