Mount Vernon fire chief asks council for a full‑time inspector, cites EMS billing revenue to help pay for staff

Mount Vernon’s fire chief told council the department is falling behind on business fire inspections and asked for one additional full‑time inspector to restore regular safety inspections and to expand community risk‑reduction programs. Chiefs and staff said the city has grown and that the fire marshal’s current workload — plan reviews, acceptance inspections, arson investigations and follow‑up complaints — largely fills his time. The chief said adding a full‑time inspector would let the department return to 100% of routine business inspections and expand prevention work such as public safety education. The chief and staff pointed to recent administrative changes in how EMS billing revenues are handled as a funding source to offset part of the personnel cost. City staff said EMS billing brings in about $1,500,000 per year and that those receipts have been separated from the general fund into a dedicated account; the administration indicated a portion of those funds and existing College Township contract revenue have been used to offset equipment and operating costs and could help support a new inspector. Council discussion focused on process: new positions must be graded by civil service, negotiated with the union and approved by the civil service commission and the city’s budget. Administration said the new position would be filled internally where possible. The ordinance related to staffing passed second/third readings at council and the bill would increase the authorized number of hourly firefighters to permit the hire; part‑time staffing levels were also discussed and described as intentionally reduced and focused on a smaller, more reliable pool of about ten part‑timers. Why it matters: staff framed the request as restoring core prevention services and improving safety for businesses, workers and adjoining properties. The added position also would support a rebranded “community risk reduction” bureau to broaden inspection‑and‑education work. Ending: Council did not oppose the request; staff said they will pursue internal hiring and follow established civil‑service and union processes before the position is filled.