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Board hears detailed cost scenarios to expand fire department to 24/7 career staffing; public outreach requested
Summary
Chief Wegman and staff presented options to convert to a full 24/7 career fire department, including a 19‑hire immediate model and phased alternatives; staff estimated a three‑year phased hire would require roughly $1 million in wages plus substantial overtime (an estimated $575,702 for 2026) and could raise millage; the board asked for more public engagement and clearer budget scenarios.
Montgomery Township leaders spent extended time on July 28 discussing options to expand the fire department from a weekday career presence supplemented by volunteers to full 24/7 career staffing.
Chief Wegman and finance staff presented three scenarios including an immediate hire of 19 full‑time firefighters (estimated ~$3 million) and a phased hire (six per year) that would lower upfront wages but increase overtime costs. Finance staff said the phased scenario with six hires would require roughly $1,000,000 in wages and estimated overtime needs of about $575,702 in 2026; staff modeled a possible 0.27‑mill tax increase under that scenario.
Chief Wegman said volunteer numbers have declined and that response‑time differences between career and volunteer crews are material: "Our on‑scene time for volunteers is 9 minutes and 49 seconds," he said, contrasting that with career crews. Several board members and residents urged more public outreach, clearer multiyear budget forecasts, and a facilities capacity analysis before committing to a specific staffing plan. Resident volunteer firefighter Adam Morrow supported expansion but urged a forecast for station capacity and alternative phased approaches.
The board did not vote on staffing this evening. Staff asked for direction by the first meeting in September to include a recommendation in the 2026 budget cycle, and the board requested public town‑hall meetings, HOA outreach, and clearer tax‑impact scenarios.
