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Council hears timeline, staffing implications for transitioning volunteer fire department to municipal operations
Summary
Council members heard updates on the planned transition of the volunteer fire department to a municipal department, the timeline to hire a fire chief (target July), and budget impacts including dozens of new positions that could more than double city staffing if fully implemented.
City staff briefed the council on the transition of the volunteer Josephine Volunteer Fire Department to a municipal fire department and on near‑term hiring plans. Staff said they expect to issue a job description and open recruitment for a fire chief with the aim of hiring by July; they proposed a selection process that could include council interviews and input from neighboring fire chiefs or current volunteer leadership.
Staff said the total number of city employees could grow sharply as municipal fire staffing is added. One presentation estimated the city currently employs about 33 positions with three vacancies and that the transition could add roughly two dozen paid positions (in addition to volunteers) and other support staff; staff characterized a likely 2026 budget that would reflect added personnel, benefits, and equipment needs.
Council members discussed emergency management responsibilities, the chief’s role as emergency management coordinator, and whether the chief should also be credentialed as a fire marshal. Staff said the final staffing model (how many full‑time, part‑time or paid volunteers) depends on the completed fire‑service study and negotiation of benefits. The council discussed recruitment approach and how to include stakeholder input during interviews.
Why it matters: Transitioning to a municipal fire department will change the city’s staffing, benefits cost and operations model and is a substantial near‑term budget driver.
What’s next: Staff plans to publish the job description, run recruitment in May–June, and return to council with the consultant fire‑service study and recommended implementation steps for the 2026 budget.
