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Fire chief warns assessment revenue decline and lists apparatus, station needs
Summary
Chief Dave Collier outlined falling fire assessment revenues and an 8.38% budget reduction over two years, described rising call volumes (projected >7,000) and a capital replacement schedule that shows several engines and facilities near end of life; he urged strategic investments for coverage, especially for Panama City North.
Fire Chief Dave Collier presented the Panama City Fire Department’s operational profile and budget outlook on June 29. Collier noted the department’s long history, mutual and automatic aid agreements across Bay County and state assets, and a coverage area of about 41 square miles. He reported roughly 83 personnel department‑wide (11 administrative; 72 operations), with three firefighter positions unfunded last year and a continuing trend of decreased assessment revenue that reduced operating capacity.
Collier said emergency calls are up — the department expects over 7,000 calls this year with about 70% medical in nature — while fire assessment revenues have declined since 2025 after reassessments of fee collections. He said pension and personnel costs remain large drivers of the department’s budget and that in FY27 they are seeking to absorb continued decreases (a 5.86% request this year after prior cuts).
The chief also laid out a five‑year capital improvement and replacement plan: multiple pieces of first‑line and reserve apparatus are at or past their replacement schedule, Station 5 is outgrown, Stations 3 and 4 are near end of life, and cascade and air fill systems need attention. Collier said analysis indicates that full build‑out of future Panama City North service might ultimately require multiple additional stations; he proposed phased investment and asked commissioners to consider strategic capital funding.
