Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Fire topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fire department cites vacancies, aging apparatus and multi‑year replacement costs
Summary
Fire officials told the finance committee they have 66 vacancies, aging frontline engines and trucks, and rising replacement costs; the department requested capital funding and said vehicle lead times can be three years.
The fire department told the finance committee on March 20 that its budget pressures are driven by staffing vacancies, overtime and an aging fleet that is expensive and slow to replace.
Staffing and operations: Fire leadership said the department had about 66 vacancies and several academy classes in training to refill ranks. Assistant chiefs and command staff said they expect multiple academy classes this year to reduce overtime and fill suppression crews, and they described a push to improve mental‑health support and community outreach programs.
Fleet and capital needs: Department staff described several frontline engines and ladder trucks at or past the National Fire Protection Association’s recommended service life and said replacement costs have risen sharply. A fire apparatus that cost roughly $630,000 in 2018 now runs $1.1–1.4 million for an engine and $1.8–$2.3 million for a ladder or bucket truck, the department said. Officials also told the committee that manufacturing lead times for custom apparatus can be as long as three years.
Capital request and alternatives: The department requested $6.3 million for rolling stock in the capital plan and $1.3 million for fire‑rescue and safety equipment, including medical and radio/communications gear. Staff said they are exploring leasing and grant options and will present analysis if leases appear cost‑effective.
Budget notes: The department acknowledged that overtime remains elevated because of vacancies and that younger recruits often do not take overtime shifts, creating higher per‑shift costs when senior members do. Officials said they expect to see overtime pressure ease later in the fiscal year as new academy classes graduate and start duty.
