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Council approves up to $10,000 per month to cover Fire & Rescue overtime caused by long‑term illness
Summary
North Smithfield agreed to provide extraordinary funding to Fire & Rescue to cover overtime and temporary staffing after a member went out on long‑term illness; initial monthly estimate was $9,000–$10,000 and council approved relief 'not to exceed $10,000 per month' pending documentation.
North Smithfield’s council approved a request Oct. 7 from the town’s Fire & Rescue service for temporary additional funding after a member went out on long‑term illness, which increased overtime and vacancy coverage costs.
Fire & Rescue officials said the department currently has five vacancies and has been filling shifts with overtime, lateral hires and acting assignments. The chief presented eight‑week overtime totals (about $9,091 and $9,492 in two successive periods) and estimated an incremental cost in the $9,000–$10,000 per month range while staffing stabilizes.
The council approved a motion to provide additional funding for extraordinary expenses under the contract with North Smithfield Fire & Rescue, capped at $10,000 per month, to be invoiced with supporting documentation. The town administrator and chief said they would continue recruitment, monitor overtime and return if sustained reductions to operating hours are required.
Why it matters: The funding is a recurring monthly expense while vacancies and a long‑term absence persist and is subject to future council action should staffing not stabilize.
Next steps: Fire & Rescue will invoice the town with documentation of hours and costs; council asked for periodic updates and said it expected the department to return if persistent staffing problems require curtailing 24‑hour/7‑day operations.
