Police and fire highlight staffing, overtime and costly equipment needs in Riverview budget review

Chief Allen and the fire chief outlined staffing and equipment pressures that dominate public-safety spending in Riverview's draft budget.

Chief Allen said the police department is budgeted for 23 officers but currently has about 20 on staff, with three vacancies; overtime has been substantial and is driven by court time, training and coverage for absent officers. "Anytime they go to court or do something usually officer shift. So it requires overtime," the chief said, and staff noted continuing recruitment and academy-sponsorship efforts to fill vacancies.

The chief described plans to sponsor recruits to the academy and said sponsored officers are contractually obligated to remain with the city for four years or repay training costs. He also announced a K9 replacement will be acquired from Eastern Europe later this month and said the department is pursuing available grants to support academy and training expenses.

The fire chief said the department is at full active staffing (12) with part-time support and described major capital needs: two newer ambulances are in service but the engine fleet needs replacement; a new fire truck or engine could cost in the range of $850,000 to $1 million. The chief said a grant application for an SCBA filling station was denied and will be revisited when the next grant cycle opens.

Councilmembers asked whether hiring additional officers would reduce overtime; staff said it should help but that some overtime (court, training, long-term absences) will persist. No staffing or equipment purchases were approved at the meeting; council requested further budget detail and potential financing options for major capital items.

Ending: Council heard the public-safety briefings and directed staff to return with more detailed cost and funding options; no formal votes were held.