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Fire chief proposes overnight on-call pilot to reduce late-night understaffing
Summary
The fire chief proposed a pilot to pay two firefighters to be on call overnight (example stipend cited) to reduce zero-response occurrences when ambulances are unavailable; the council asked for a formal policy and cost breakdown next month and staff said existing budget lines could cover a short trial.
Fire leadership told council they will propose a short pilot to provide overnight on-call coverage to reduce late-night staffing gaps. The chief summarized the approach as a modest temporary stipend for on-call availability during the night shift window so that two responders are available without converting to full-time hires immediately. As the chief explained, the plan under discussion "was to do about 08:00 to 7 in the morning, 2 guys for paying a $100 to be on call," with calls paid in addition to the stipend.
Council members asked for formal policy language, Fair Labor Standards Act compliance and a budget accounting for overtime and stipends. The chief said the department can start with in‑town staff on a short notice basis and will bring a formal policy and cost estimate to the next council meeting; several council members agreed to begin a trial and review results prior to any commitment in next year's budget.
