Early council adopts FY27 fire budget, asks for more information on firefighter LOSAP plan

The Early City Council voted Feb. 3 to adopt the Fire Department's FY27 budget after a correction to remove funds for firefighter physicals that had been budgeted in FY26.

Fire Chief Keith Horan presented the budget and described a proposed LOSAP (Length of Service Award Program) that would allow paid and volunteer firefighters to receive a retirement-style benefit. Horan said the program requires additional detail before the council could adopt a resolution to implement it; the council asked staff to provide more information by email for further consideration.

Council member Brian Pickhinke moved to accept the FY27 Fire Budget; Brandon Scadden seconded and the motion passed with all ayes. The council also set a May 7 meeting with Township Trustees to review an intergovernmental 28E agreement and the debt formula that could affect fire funding and cost-sharing with township partners.

No dollar totals for the FY27 budget or LOSAP cost estimates were provided in the meeting record; the council's action at this session was to adopt the budget as corrected and to request follow-up information on LOSAP before considering a resolution.