Administration relays Chief Stevens' request for dozens of additional fire and EMS staff

County administration told commissioners the fire and EMS departments remain understaffed and presented the staffing shortfalls relayed from the fire chief. Administration said the fire side would need an additional 14 full‑time equivalents to reach recommended staffing levels and EMS would need roughly one or two additional part‑time hires to reach its target headcount.

"He believes the department needs staff equivalent to 37 full time employees," the county administrator (S3) relayed for Chief Stevens, who could not attend the meeting. Administrators and commissioners discussed converting part‑time roles to full time to reduce overtime and improve continuity of coverage.

Commissioners raised retention issues and possible recruitment incentives. One commissioner asked whether the county could require recruits to remain for a set period after training, with reimbursement to the county if they leave early; administration said a draft contract is under legal review and will be provided at a future meeting.

Finance will run budget scenarios to determine how many positions can be funded, and staff said they will present those options to the board at follow‑up budget meetings.