Firefighters, union and council clash over immediate hires vs. external study as overtime and retirements spike

The city’s fire and EMS presentation on Nov. 27 focused on a deepening operational strain: Chief Griffin described a multi‑year hiring effort (dozens of recruits sent to the academy with some attrition) and capital requests for a replacement engine, ladder truck and an upgraded SCBA filling station. EMS Director Jeff Fritz described a steady increase in call volume and outlined ambulance replacement plans and a new prehospital blood program pilot.

Administrators and the fire chief documented recent personnel turnover — a mix of retirements and a small number of terminations — and a spike in overtime and sick leave that began in 2022. The business administrator showed multi‑year overtime and sick‑time charts (as part of a longer analysis) and described interventions already under way: wellness programs, HR follow‑up, expanded academy seats and a push to secure grants and capital funding. The mayor and fire leadership proposed an external fire‑service staffing and station‑location study in 2026 to provide independent data and to strengthen future grant applications (for example, SAFER awards) and long‑term staffing plans.

Council members and many public commenters — including firefighters on duty and union leaders — rejected delaying action. Union representatives and multiple firefighters said the operational reality is urgent: instances of single‑person apparatus responses, mandatory overtime, and documented near‑miss incidents have left firefighters and the public exposed. Speakers urged the council to amend the budget immediately to add four hires for the coming year and to use available one‑time funds rather than waiting for a study. The mayor and administration cautioned that using one‑time ARPA or vacancy savings for ongoing personnel costs risks unsustainable future gaps; they recommended finishing the study and pursuing multi‑year grant strategies as the more fiscally durable approach.

The debate concluded without a final vote; council members were invited to submit formal budget amendment proposals by the published deadline for consideration at a follow‑up meeting. The administration said it will present a finance‑committee memo summarizing vacancy savings and potential one‑time uses.