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Montgomery Township delays decision on fire‑staffing study amid split over consultant
Summary
The Board of Supervisors tabled a vote on whether to hire an outside consultant to evaluate a proposal to add 19 full‑time firefighters, after a lengthy public and board debate over costs, shift schedules and whether an outside review would add value before the 2026 budget.
The Montgomery Township Board of Supervisors on Sept. 9 deferred a decision on whether to hire an outside consultant to evaluate a proposed expansion of the township’s fire staffing, leaving the question for a future meeting as staff gathers follow‑up details.
The discussion centered on Chief Wegman’s plan to add 19 full‑time firefighters and use a 24‑on/72‑off shift schedule. Township staff presented three bids for a staffing study: Aspirant Consulting Group (quoted $16,500–$23,004.50, not to exceed $25,000, six to eight weeks); Center for Public Safety Management (CPSM) at $47,560 with a three‑to‑six month timeline; and Municipal Resources Inc. (MRI) at $25,000 plus travel and expenses with a possible start in mid‑October if chosen. Staff said the MMOs and budget deadlines make timing important for any study.
Resident Omar Lozardo, who identified himself as living in Montgomery Crossing, urged a consultant to provide options and said the township could achieve similar coverage on a different shift schedule. "What you're proposing with 19 firefighters, we can do with a smaller staff if we work a 24/48 shift instead of the 24/72. What does that gain you? It gains you $700,000 in savings," Lozardo said during public comment, urging the board to examine phased approaches, part‑time hires and station consolidation.
Others at the meeting pushed back, arguing that Chief Wegman’s plan already reflects peer review and local knowledge. "I put together a plan that I think is the optimal plan for my staff and my community," Chief Wegman said, adding that 24/72 is increasingly the standard because of its effect on firefighter recovery and retention. He said moving to a 24/48 schedule would likely require reopening the union contract and could reduce applicant interest.
Several supervisors and staff framed the question as one of due diligence versus cost. One supervisor said a consultant would offer "fresh eyes" and help forecast multi‑year costs that may not be fully captured in the capital plan; another said the chief had already done much of that work and that a limited staffing‑only scope might not add value.
Staff warned that delaying a decision would constrain the ability to complete a study before the 2026 budget is finalized, but also acknowledged the board could postpone the procurement to the next regular meeting to allow more review. The board voted to table the consultant decision to the next meeting to allow supervisors and staff to gather additional information about scope, travel expenses and timelines.
What happens next: Staff will collect requested details from the three firms about travel, presentation commitments and expected deliverables and place the item on the board’s next regular meeting agenda. The board did not adopt any staffing changes at the meeting; any changes to the fire department’s staffing or schedules would require separate formal action during the budget process or a later meeting.
