Fire chief outlines levy renewal to sustain staffing, capital needs; council asks timing and next steps

Interim Fire Chief Placky told the Budget & Finance Committee the department has transitioned from a mostly part‑time force to career personnel since the 2021 levy and credited the levy with increasing full‑time firefighters and funding new apparatus. "Since passing the Levy we have met each of these goals," Placky said, noting a delivery of a new fire engine and plans to staff two Advanced Life Support ambulances.

Placky said the levy was originally voted in 2021 and implemented in 2022; the current measure will expire Dec. 31, 2025, and staff are preparing a renewal for the November ballot to take effect in 2026. He described the renewal as a renewal with no tax increase and said it will preserve staffing, capital replacement cycles (ambulances and engines), and reduce reliance on mutual aid.

Council members asked about the five‑year cycle and timing. Members were advised that two legislative steps are typically required — initial placement on the ballot and later the specific ballot language — and that work on legislation has started. Chief Placky and staff said they will coordinate with the law director and council (including outreach and budgeting for campaign work as allowed) and return with draft legislation. Councilmembers indicated general support but asked staff to clarify timeline and precise ballot language.

Why it matters: The levy funds frontline emergency services and capital investments; voters will decide the renewal in November. Next step: staff to work with the law director to prepare required legislation and provide council with timelines and proposed ballot language.