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State grant will fund four new firefighter/EMT positions; county approves adding positions to payroll
Summary
Taos County accepted a DFA firefighter/EMT grant of $787,500 that funds four new positions (three firefighter‑EMTs and one roaming shift lieutenant). The commission approved accepting the grant and adding the positions to the payroll with discussion about future budget impacts.
The Taos County Commission approved acceptance of a Department of Finance and Administration grant of $787,500 to hire four firefighter/EMT positions and authorized adding those positions to the county payroll. Fire and rescue leadership said year‑one funding is full, tapering to county responsibility by year four.
Fire Chief Cordova explained the staffing plan: "We put in this year for four positions. We got funded for six but cut it down to four...the 1st year is fully funded, year 2 at 75%, year 3 at 50% and year 4 the county must cover 100%." Under the deployment plan, three firefighter‑EMTs will be stationed in Penasco and the shift lieutenant will be a roaming position to cover absences and provide training and inspections support.
Commissioners supported the proposal but noted the need to plan for the county's fiscal responsibility as state funding decreases over time. Staff said the next step is adding the positions to the budget and preparing a budget adjustment for future fiscal years. The motion to accept the grant and add the four positions passed by roll call.
