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Council approves MOU with North Smithfield Fire and Rescue to temporarily reduce rescue staffing days
Summary
Council approved a memorandum of understanding allowing North Smithfield Fire and Rescue to reduce additional rescue staffing from seven to five days weekly while the town continues full payment; chief said the change will reduce overtime and the town funds academy training for recruits.
The North Smithfield Town Council approved Dec. 16 a memorandum of understanding with North Smithfield Fire and Rescue Service Inc. that temporarily adjusts staffing and payment practices.
Chief Shadia told the council the MOU would move the town away from relying on section 6 of the existing contract for extraordinary on-duty injury expenses. Under the agreement the rescue unit’s additional staffing would be scaled back from seven days per week to five days, while the council would continue to pay for seven days until the department returns to full staffing. Chief Shadia said the reduction should "reduce [overtime] dramatically" and that the department is recruiting — three candidates were scheduled for the next academy with graduation expected in May/July timelines discussed in the meeting.
Councilor S3 moved to accept the MOU and authorized the administrator to execute the agreement; the motion passed on roll call with all members voting yes.
Chief Shadia asked for prompt execution so the department could implement changes quickly.
