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Fire chief seeks lower operating request but warns of capital lag on apparatus replacements
Summary
Fairfield County fire leadership said operating needs for FY27 are slightly lower than last year but flagged a $585,312 request for a replacement Pierce engine and ongoing retention and staffing challenges that will be informed by a coming fire services study.
The fire chief told the council that his department's FY27 operational request is approximately $73,910 below last year, largely because one-time capital spending (tire replacement) did not recur. "This year I'm asking for $73,910 less than last year," the chief said, noting he moved some funds between lines to address immediate needs while seeking to limit new positions.
On capital the chief requested one Pierce engine with required upfitting at a total estimated cost of $585,312 and warned of long lead times: 19 to 22 months from order to delivery. He said the county will retire a 1989 truck when the new engine is placed in service and that apparatus placement decisions balance call volume, building constraints and equipment compatibility.
Council members pressed the chief on retention (several firefighters left for higher-paying departments), the planned community-wide fire study to inform future budget and staffing decisions, and how to fund study recommendations without knowing outcomes. The chief said the study will guide future budget adjustments and that the department would continue operating on current staffing levels until the study's recommendations are delivered.
No formal vote was taken on the enterprise-level capital asks during the workshop; councilmembers asked staff to return with procurement timing and options to finance long-lead apparatus.
