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Board adopts FY2025 budget with deficit and two new positions; workers’ compensation costs cited as driver
Summary
The board approved the FY2025 operating budget (final), authorizing a Deputy Fire Chief and an Office Specialist for emergency preparedness; staff said a FIRMS‑set workers' compensation rate and a conservative rebate estimate increased budget pressures, resulting in a $315,900 general‑fund deficit in the adopted plan.
The Moraga‑area fire district board voted to adopt the FY2025 operating budget and to authorize filling two new positions: a Deputy Fire Chief and an Office Specialist in emergency preparedness.
Staff told the board the adopted final budget includes a forecasted general‑fund deficit of $315,900. Much of the budget uncertainty stems from workers’ compensation expense: FIRMS (the district’s workers’ compensation JPA) has set the district’s contribution rate for the year, and staff said they conservatively reduced their estimate of workers’ comp recoveries (dividends/rebates) from $400,000 to $200,000 to avoid overstating available revenues.
A board member moved to adopt the final budget and authorize filling the two positions; the motion was seconded and the attending directors voted in favor. The vote record as read aloud included Directors Dan Zigger, Hassler, J and Jorgens recorded as voting to approve the motion.
Staff explained next steps for hiring: the Office Specialist recruitment (application period previously advertised May 23–June 10) will proceed to screening and interviews; filling the Deputy Fire Chief will require returning to the board with a salary schedule and other personnel actions before a permanent appointment.
Why it matters: the budget drives staffing, equipment and program priorities for the year, and the FIRMS contribution is a fixed cost set by the pool’s board and actuary rather than a discretionary local choice. Board members said they wanted to understand alternatives and asked staff to provide additional information about options and the assumptions behind the budget figures.
The board also adopted the consent calendar (items 9.1–9.6) in a separate vote during the meeting. The meeting record shows no hands or written public comments on the budget hearing.
The board’s adopted budget will guide operations and hiring through FY2025; staff will return with personnel scheduling details and other implementation steps as needed.
