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Fort Mohave Mesa reviews FY2027 budget draft with staffing changes and insurance shift
Summary
The board reviewed a FY2027 draft showing about $600,000 in increased tax revenue, a 3.8% COLA, new training and mechanic positions, and a projected switch to a new medical insurance provider after a quoted 44% increase from the current insurer.
At a budget workshop on April 28, Fort Mohave Mesa Fire District executive staff presented a Fiscal Year 2027 draft budget that anticipates higher tax revenue and modest net personnel cost growth while flagging a significant proposed increase in medical insurance costs.
District Manager Tracey Petrisko and Fire Chief Chris Pardi said total tax revenue increased by approximately $600,000. Personnel changes in the draft include a 3.8% cost-of-living adjustment, an increase to promotional pay, the addition of a 40-hour Battalion Chief training position and a Lead Mechanic position, and elimination of the Assistant Chief role. Those adjustments, plus reductions in paramedic stipends, yielded an overall personnel cost increase of about 1.3%.
Chiefs and staff reviewed health insurance options after the District's current provider proposed a 44% rate increase. The draft budget assumes switching to a different provider with an estimated 15% increase. Staff said labor and administration reviewed covered providers and reached a positive consensus to pursue local plan options.
The presentation also covered operational items including Station 91 progress (living quarters reported at about 98% complete and a move-in date of May 15) and recruitment: applications are being accepted through May 17, with 23 applicants to date and an expectation to hire six people from the pool. Chief Kevin Smith discussed Interfacility Transport billing timing and said AHCCCS billing has started and staff remain confident of meeting the $1.6 million revenue goal.
The board did not take a final vote on the budget at the session; the workshop served to refine assumptions and guide follow-up work on insurance and staffing.
