Committee advances $136,319 transfer for fire department to fund second academy

The Allentown City Public Safety Committee voted to advance Bill 42, a proposed amendment to the 2026 general fund budget that would transfer $136,319 from the unappropriated balance to the fire department’s operating budget to fund a second training academy.

“We’re asking for a transfer of $136,319,” said the fire department chief, describing the money as necessary to cover overtime and operational costs for an additional academy. The chief told the committee the department faces increased early retirements and resignations, and “so now we’re up to 9 positions,” a shortfall the second academy would help fill.

Committee members raised no substantive questions during the discussion. A committee member moved to forward the measure to full council; a second was recorded and the body approved the motion by voice vote. Individual roll-call votes were not recorded on the transcript.

The chief said the department typically runs one academy in the first half of the year and that holding a second session sooner would reduce overtime that would otherwise be needed to staff shifts until the next regularly scheduled academy. He also noted that training is provided by the department’s own personnel and that the academy has historically drawn participants from neighboring jurisdictions.

The committee’s favorable recommendation sends Bill 42 to the full Allentown City Council for further consideration.