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Crescent Springs reviews $120,000 fire-authority budget request and questions staffing authority
Summary
Council held a first reading of Ordinance 2026-3 seeking an additional $120,000 for the Crescent–Villa Hills Fire Authority to cover higher-than-expected emergency runs and overtime. Members also questioned whether recent conversions of part-time firefighters to full-time complied with an interlocal agreement requiring mutual consent.
On Feb. 23 the Crescent Springs City Council took up the first reading of Ordinance 2026-3, a request to amend the FY 2025–26 budget and appropriate an additional $120,000 to the Crescent–Villa Hills Fire Authority to cover unexpected expenses related to increased emergency runs and overtime.
City officials said the request rose from an initial $80,000 ask to $120,000 to give the fire authority sufficient cash flow through the end of the fiscal year and to reduce the risk of late vendor payments. A council member explained the increase as providing the authority “wiggle room” to meet bills due on the first of the month.
Council members pressed the fire chief about staffing changes that increased the number of full-time firefighters to 11. The chief said three part-time employees were promoted to full time, including parametric certifications, to reduce overtime costs and retain personnel. Council questioned whether that move complied with an earlier interlocal agreement and municipal order that the council said requires consent of both cities before hiring full-time staff.
Members asked staff to research whether the conversions were authorized by prior budget approvals or whether the municipal-order language requires separate council consent. The chief said he would work with city staff to locate documentation; council deferred final action on the budget amendment pending further review and caucus discussion.
No vote was taken on the ordinance at first reading. Council indicated it will examine the procedural question about hiring authority and may revisit the budget item after caucus-level review and any needed legal clarification.
