Committee delays launch of paid daytime staffing plan to allow training and staffing work

The Oconee County Fire Service Advisory Committee voted to push the proposed start date for paid daytime staffing at volunteer stations by at least one month to allow more time for training and to ensure enough trained staff are in place.

Travis Cohen, who read the staffing proposal and put it in motion, said the plan — modeled on a past staffing approach — would place paid personnel in volunteer stations Monday through Friday roughly 08:30 to 16:30 and then return staffing to volunteer squads for remaining shift hours. "The projected start date for this was April 9 as suggested by current fire chief Chris Smith. At this time, I recommend we push this start date out at least to the month of May," Cohen said.

Members raised concerns that the county currently lacks sufficient trained personnel to staff every station during daytime hours. One participant warned that placing a lone inexperienced firefighter alone at a station during the day could increase turnover and create coverage risks; chiefs said several new hires require cadet-class training and that some positions remain open. Committee members said the delay would provide time to finish hiring and training and to consider rotating experienced staff to mentor new hires.

The committee voted by roll call to record the motion to delay "at least a month;" the transcript records the roll call as unanimous. Committee leaders said chief Smith and administrative staff will continue refining logistics and staffing plans and will report back with additional details for the committee and county budget planners.

What's next: Staff and chiefs will finalize staffing numbers, training timelines and operational protocols during the delay and return with a refined implementation plan.