Committee member moves to restore two part‑time firefighters; motion seconded, discussion continues

A committee member moved to amend the proposed budget to restore two part‑time firefighter positions, saying the changes could be funded by trimming the planning services line and other administrative expenses. "My motion... I'm gonna motion that we move, to amend the budget that has been presented to include these 2 time fire these 2 part time firefighters by making the changes previously mentioned," the member said.

The proponent argued the positions would work two 12‑hour shifts per week and that the payroll, with taxes, would cost "$41,502.24," a figure they said their line‑item swaps would cover. The proposal identified taking $30,000 from planning services, and additional small reductions across fire‑related maintenance, uniforms, radio maintenance and health supplies.

Council/meeting leaders acknowledged the motion was on the floor and asked for a second; a colleague indicated support and the chair confirmed the motion and a second. The assembly then entered an extended discussion about whether the amendment was ready for action and whether all operational impacts had been verified.

Opponents and some members urged caution, saying the adjustment appeared late in the process and that the meeting record needed to show where items were changed. One member said the city had been relying on grants and fund balance in prior years rather than matching recurring revenues to recurring operating expenses. "We do not serve the people well without looking at this," a speaker said, calling for a fuller budget review before making last‑minute cuts.

No final vote is recorded in the transcript; discussion continued with questions about verification of operational impact, vacancy coverage and total maintenance costs. The motion remains under consideration at the close of the recorded exchange.