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Paramedic classes and overtime trends shape the schedule proposal
Summary
Staff pointed to large paramedic classes this year (40 students) and a multi-year overtime trend (FY25 $3.54M) as part of the rationale for the schedule change; managers say the pipeline should lower overtime once graduates join forces.
Staff told the committee the city is trying to catch up on paramedic staffing after several years of retirements and slow replacement. This year the department ran larger paramedic classes (one class cited at 40 students) to rebuild the in-house pipeline and reduce reliance on overtime.
Finance staff reviewed historical overtime totals for several fiscal years and reported FY25 actual overtime at $3.54 million. Management and fire leadership argued that the combination of extra hires and longer recovery time under the proposed schedule should reduce injury, illness, and overtime-related absences — lowering overtime toward the proposed $2.5M target — though they acknowledged that evidence remains largely theoretical until the schedule is tested and monitored.
Committee members asked how many retirements are expected next year (estimates of 7–9 were discussed) and urged that the training pipeline be maintained to avoid future deficits that drive overtime.
