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Fire department details pay gains, new stations, training center and equipment plans after MSTU increase
Summary
Orange County Fire Rescue outlined an expanded FY2026 budget to support recent wage increases, purchase replacement vehicles and gear, open new stations and pilot virtual‑reality training after the county’s decision last year to raise the Fire MSTU.
Orange County Fire Rescue came before the Board July 16 to present a FY2026 plan focused on building out resources that county officials and the department say are necessary to sustain emergency response for a growing population.
The department told commissioners it will seek about $288 million for personnel services and $108.9 million for operations in FY2026 — a total FY26 fire budget near $397.7 million and an increase driven in part by pay and certification increases approved last year. The department also requested 36 new positions, most assigned to operations and logistics to support rising service demands in areas such as the I‑Drive/entertainment corridor.
Background and why it matters: Last year the board approved a 0.6 mill increase in the Fire MSTU (municipal service taxing unit) to fund long‑standing…
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