Senate hearing on Fire and EMS budget focuses on overtime, vacant positions, repairs and communications upgrades

The Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee on Sept. 8 heard testimony from the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services about its proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget and ongoing operational shortfalls, with discussion concentrating on overtime costs, unfunded full‑time positions, repair and maintenance needs, and communications upgrades including next‑generation 911 and drone capabilities.

Commissioner Juan Puwa told the committee the department has about 150 personnel across the CNMI and described the department’s mission and program responsibilities, including fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, and code enforcement. He said the department is NAMES‑compliant, Pro Board certified and working toward National Registry certification for EMS staff. The department reported roughly 995 fire suppression responses for a recent period and 6,901 EMS responses; code enforcement activity included about 821 inspections, 179 new permits and 642 renewals.

The committee and department reviewed the department’s two special/revolving funds — the ambulance revolving account and the fire safety code revolving account — and the department said revolving funds currently cover many operational costs because the general fund has not provided regular operating support. Committee members were given a summary showing an administration submission of roughly 5.442 million for FY2026 versus a prior budgeted amount of about 5.365 million under Public Law 24‑1, with an indicated remaining balance on that comparison of about $56,806.

Lawmakers pressed department leaders on overtime and staffing. Senators were told all department employees are funded from local…