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Fire Rescue requests staffing and capital funds; chiefs outline retirement plan, SAFER grant pursuit and use of Title III 'Firewise' funds
Summary
Baker County Fire Rescue asked the commission for new relief firefighter positions, reported on an ambulance under construction and proposed using restricted Title III ‘Firewise’ funds for equipment and training before a federal obligation deadline.
Baker County Fire Rescue leaders presented their proposed 2025–26 budget with several notable elements: a request for additional relief firefighter/EMT positions intended to reduce mandatory overtime, an ongoing capital purchase (a custom ambulance already under construction), requests for bunker‑gear replacement and small‑capital items, and a proposal to spend restricted USDA Title II/III (“Firewise”) funds before a federal deadline.
Staffing and overtime: The Fire Rescue presentation described chronic overtime and shift‑coverage shortfalls; staff reported the department averaged roughly 30–34 extra shifts per month this year. To reduce mandatory overtime and improve scheduling flexibility, the department proposed adding three “relief” firefighter/EMT positions (one per shift, to float where needed). Staff estimated the fully‑loaded cost — salary plus employer FICA and retirement contributions — would…
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