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Board approves 10 new firefighter positions to reduce overtime and bolster staffing
Summary
At a special Board of Estimate and Contract meeting Aug. 25, 2025, Mount Vernon officials approved adding 10 firefighter positions and transferring contingent funds to the fire department salary line to address chronic overtime, staffing shortages and upcoming retirements.
Mount Vernon — The Board of Estimate and Contract on Aug. 25 approved an ordinance creating 10 firefighter positions in the 2025 city budget and transferring funds from the contingent fund to the fire department salary line to address mounting overtime and staffing shortfalls.
City officials said the additions are intended to reduce overtime costs that have accumulated over recent years and to restore staffing so the department can staff additional apparatus and shorten response times. Commissioner Holt, who presented the item, said the city has repeatedly covered minimum staffing with overtime and that adding personnel will improve firefighter safety and service to residents. "By adding 10 personnel, we are convinced that we can curb this overtime and we can also provide a better service to the citizens of Mount Vernon," Commissioner Holt said.
Why it matters: Fire department leaders and city finance staff…
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