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Fire department budget adds 12 firefighter-EMTs to bring EMS in-house and reduce overtime costs
Summary
Wilmington—s proposed FY2027 fire budget requests $40.8 million and adds 12 firefighter-EMTs to staff in-house EMS and support a shift to 24/72 schedules; officials said the hire will increase salaries and equipment costs but should reduce mandatory overtime by about $1.1 million.
OMB and the Wilmington Fire Department told the Finance Committee that FY2027 changes reflect the city—s decision to operate emergency medical services in-house, with personnel additions intended to reduce unsustainable overtime.
Deputy director Mister Winkler told council that the proposed fire general fund is $40,800,000 for FY27, a rise of approximately $4.7 million (13%). Winkler said personal services represent more than 83% of the department—s budget and that the single largest requested change is the addition of 12 firefighter-EMT positions to meet minimum manning under a 24-hours on/72-hours off schedule.
Chief Looney told the committee that the 12 new positions would add roughly $970,000 in salaries and benefits (net of expected attrition), plus equipment and training costs, and that adding the positions is expected to avoid nearly $1.1 million in mandatory overtime that otherwise would be incurred.
"Adding these positions includes an additional $970,000 in salaries and benefits— and the avoidance of nearly $1,100,000 in overtime costs," OMB said during the presentation. Chief Looney said the department is also investing in EMS supplies, a medical-supply inventory system and a replacement ambulance, and that EMS collections are currently projected at approximately $5.3 million versus EMS operating costs of about $5.4 million in FY27.
Council members asked about station coverage (including whether Station 4 requires a dedicated ambulance), retention and recruitment, and the department—s strategy for handling retirements: the chief said 33 firefighters are eligible for retirement and the department is staging academy classes and recruitment outreach to maintain staffing. Chief Looney described an upcoming recruit academy and itemized recruit-class costs (protective equipment, stationware and training) totaling about $454,000.
Committee members praised the department—s EMS transition and asked for follow-up information about whether additional ambulances or a modified leadership structure will be required as the service expands. Chief Looney said the department will continue to evaluate needs and seek grant and state funding where appropriate.
The committee recessed after the presentation and requested follow-up materials to be provided through legislative staff.
