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Chief says new unionized technician post would cut repair costs; board reviews parts and labor spending
Summary
The chief reported HR and the union agreed on a fire technician job description and grade; the department tracked roughly $74,264 in labor and $63,336 in parts last year and expects in-house repairs to reduce future costs.
Chief (S2) told commissioners that HR and the union reached agreement on the grade and qualifications for a unionized fire technician position. The chief said the position will require SCBA technician level 1 and 2 certifications within the first year so the technician can perform flow testing and basic repairs in-house.
The chief provided a summary of recent maintenance spending, saying the department tracked about $74,264 in labor and $63,336 in parts last year; he described the combined and partial totals as incomplete because not all items had been input into the system. The chief argued that hiring a full-time qualified mechanic should reduce long-term costs associated with third-party repairs and transport logistics.
Pay-rate comparisons and third-party costs were discussed: commissioners and the chief referenced vendor hourly rates in the roughly $170–$200 range for warranty and warranty-like work and suggested an in-house pay range around $40–$48 per hour would be competitive. The chief also said there may be an initial capital expense next year for a flow test machine needed if the department plans to perform its own SCBA flow testing.
The board discussed whether the unionized status would require a tested application process versus interview/resume screening; the chief said he would consult HR and union representatives and expects to post the job after council approval and HR processing. The meeting did not record a formal vote to post or fund the position at this session.
