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Riverton council keeps four-person staffing at two stations after budget review, rejects cuts that would reduce ambulances
Summary
After presentations from city staff and Unified Fire Authority, the council voted to keep four-person crews at Stations 121 and 124. Staff had shown scenarios where moving to three-person crews at both stations would save roughly $800,000; the council rejected changing both stations and instead approved maintaining four-person staffing at each.
Riverton ' The City Council voted March 25 to maintain four-person fire apparatus staffing at two Riverton stations after a multi-meeting discussion of service levels and budget alternatives.
City CFO and UFA staff provided cost models showing the budgetary tradeoffs of staffing scenarios. A model that would reduce both Station 121 and Station 124 to three-person engine companies showed estimated yearly savings on the order of $800,000 across the city; moving only one station to three-person staffing would reduce annual costs by roughly $400,000. Staff emphasized, however, that the special-operations structure (ambulance, heavy rescue, HAZMAT and regional assets) complicates the math: moving a station to three-person staffing in some scenarios can reduce the number of staffed ambulances available in the city and affect regional special-operations assignment.
Multiple public commenters, including current and former firefighters, urged the council to retain four-person staffing. Speakers described national fire-industry guidance favoring four-person engine companies for firefighter safety and effective medical and fire response.
Council discussion focused on balancing fiscal constraints and service-level goals. Council member Broeker moved to approve two resolutions that maintain four-person staffing at Station 121 and Station 124. The motion passed by roll-call vote; all present council members voted in favor.
Staff noted that keeping current staffing levels reduces near-term budgetary savings but preserves ambulance and special-operations capacity. Council members asked staff to include longer-term projections and options in the next budget cycle, and several members asked staff to examine whether other revenue adjustments could hold tax rates steady while meeting public-safety needs.
Ending: The council approved resolutions to keep four-person staffing at both stations. Staff will return during budget planning with fiscal projections and potential alternatives for future years.
