Benton Harbor weighs public-safety staffing concerns and approves trade for a mini pumper

BENTON HARBOR — Commissioners pressed public safety leaders on staffing levels and overtime during the June 1 meeting and approved a replacement for an aging ladder truck with a 2026 Pierce pump as part of mutual-aid coordination.

Deputy Clark told commissioners the public-safety team is "managing" but conceded it is "not really" fully staffed and outlined staffing needs for safe operations: to meet operational goals the department would need approximately five PSOs per shift to cover both firehouse duties and road officers. Commissioners linked staffing shortfalls to rising overtime and said they want clearer budgeted plans to address vacancies.

Later in the meeting the commission voted to replace Ladder 55 with a 2026 Pierce mini pumper; commissioners asked for the mutual-aid agreement demonstrating cooperation with neighboring jurisdictions (St. Joseph and Berrien County entities), and staff committed to provide the document. The manager said the change reflects equipment cost and utilization: the ladder truck was used infrequently and the smaller pump truck is more useful for most calls.