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Council approves package of appropriations including $250,000 for fire overtime and $50,000 for paramedic overtime
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Summary
Leominster council approved several appropriations from the stabilization fund—$6,500 for planning interim cover, $250,000 for fire overtime, $50,000 for paramedic overtime, $35,000 for city clerk postage and a $8,004.37 transfer for the city's 250th—after discussion about hiring versus overtime for paramedics.
The Leominster City Council voted Jan. 29 to approve a slate of appropriations and transfers from the stabilization fund to cover immediate staffing and operational needs.
Key votes included:
- C33: $6,500 to the planning department expense account to fund a temporary assistant planning development director (10 weeks, 10 hours/week at $50/hour, no benefits). Subcommittee recommended and the council approved the appropriation by roll call.
- C34: $250,000 to the fire department public safety overtime account to address staffing shortfalls related to injuries, military activation and mutual aid. The finance chair described recurring staffing pressures; the council voted 7–0 to approve the transfer.
- C35: $50,000 to the paramedic overtime account. Councilors debated whether to fund continued overtime or to hire an eighth paramedic, weighing overtime costs and benefit expenses. Several councilors said not having the paramedic coverage tonight would risk an uncovered shift; after discussion the council approved the appropriation by roll call (7–0). One councilor said the city should examine the fire chief's budget request and meet with the chief and comptroller before larger commitments are made.
- C36: $35,000 to the city clerk postage account for mailing the 2026 census.
- C38: Transfer of $8,004.37 remaining from the Johnny Appleseed 250th celebration account to the city's 250th celebration account for future events.
Finance chair reported stabilization fund balances and noted that free cash certification is pending and that several encumbrances are anticipated this fiscal year. Councilors requested clearer date stamping on communications so members can track when requests were received.
The council asked that the fire chief and comptroller appear at a future meeting to provide more detailed projections and to discuss whether hiring an additional paramedic would be more cost-effective than recurring overtime. No member proposed rescinding approved orders that evening.
