Ellsworth fire chief reports three short-term absences; council weighs budgeting benefits for two temporary hires

Fire Chief Scott told the budget workshop that the department faces immediate staffing losses: one firefighter deployed with the guard and two sidelined by non‑work injuries, leaving long‑term gaps that reduce a shift by roughly one person.

"I'm effectively down three employees right off the start going into the new fiscal year," Scott said, and recommended hiring two temporary full‑time employees to maintain minimum staffing. He said base salaries for those temporary hires would be cost‑neutral (because deployed staff are paid differently) but added the benefits package had not been budgeted and would add about $85,000 to FY27 if included.

Councilors discussed three options: not funding benefits and hiring without coverage, budgeting benefits preemptively for both temporary hires (estimated $85,000), or a hybrid approach funding only the 12‑month hire. Several councilors urged budgeting benefits to ensure the hires accept offers and to protect morale; one councilor said temporary hires are often converted to longer service and that health coverage is a reasonable investment.

City Manager Charlie noted charter limits on carrying operational encumbrances forward and said staff would include the benefit estimate in the adjustment logs circulated to council; the council retains authority at the final vote to remove line items if members choose. No formal vote on benefits was taken at the workshop; staff said the FY27 budget presented in June will include the option and related adjustment notes.

The debate underscored a broader budget tension: while departments trimmed discretionary lines to lower the city‑side increase (to about 7.65 percent), unexpected personnel costs in public safety can reverse those gains quickly.