Fire Rescue requests staffing and capital funds; chiefs outline retirement plan, SAFER grant pursuit and use of Title III 'Firewise' funds

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 be roughly equivalent to the overtime and part‑time/on‑call costs the county is now paying; commissioners asked staff to run a line‑by‑line comparison of historical overtime costs to the projected fully loaded cost of new positions before a final decision.

SAFER grant: The department said it applied for a federal SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant that, if awarded, would subsidize additional positions for three years at a stepped match (25% first year, 25% second year, 65% third year) before the county assumes full cost. Staff said award notifications typically come in the autumn and that, if awarded, the commission would have to accept or amend the budget formally to record the matching obligation.

Capital and operations: Staff noted one ambulance is in production and that initial down payments or lease‑type arrangements are already in the county’s vendor pipeline; staff also sought standard annual bunker‑gear replacements and modest station repairs (garage doors, bathroom fixtures). Chief described a proposal to replace an older 21‑year service truck used by a long‑time volunteer who performs fleet support; staff provided vendor quotes and said they would seek better pricing but that the truck is essential for in‑county light rescue and maintenance responses.

Firewise / Title III funds: Staff explained that the county holds restricted Title II/III funds tied to National Forest timber receipts for use on forest‑related preparedness and response. The federal distributor notified the county that those funds should be obligated by a federal deadline next year, and staff proposed spending roughly $145,000 of Title‑III funds on equipment, training and small capital items used for wildland and mutual‑aid responses (ATV/rescue gear, saws, PPE, training) rather than returning the funds to the federal program. Commissioners supported allocating restricted Title III funds to equipment and asked staff to provide the procurement list and compliance justification for audit purposes.

Leadership and transition: In a public statement during the workshop, the fire chief announced his intent to retire on May 3, 2026, and said he would remain in post to guide an orderly leadership transition and complete initiatives currently underway. He highlighted he and his team had secured roughly $6 million in grants and appropriations during his tenure.

Ending: Staff will provide detailed comparisons of overtime versus the three relief positions’ total cost, present SAFER‑grant award status when available, and file a formal budget amendment if the county accepts SAFER funding; staff will also present a Firewise procurement list and documented federal‑fund compliance steps for the restricted Title II/III funds.