Fire department budget reviewed: SAFER hires and $1M engine shift reserves this year

The committee reviewed fire‑department-specific items in the fourth‑quarter report, including personnel and capital expenditures that affected the general fund balance.

Staff said the fire department’s planned deficit in the current year largely reflects a $1 million capital outlay for a new fire engine. The district received a grant to cover most of the cost, but staff cautioned the reimbursement could take up to two fiscal years to arrive. Separately, salary increases negotiated through IAFF and full-year budgeting for three SAFER positions contributed to higher projected payroll and benefit costs in the next fiscal year.

Committee members asked for clarity on line‑item presentation (how vacation and sick payouts are reported separately but budgeted in salary lines). Staff said those costs are accounted for in different line items (vacation/sick/holiday) and when combined make the total salaries align with the budgeted amount.

Staff noted the district chose to pay for the fire engine from reserves rather than obtain loan financing. The committee asked that reimbursements and reserve impacts be clearly flagged in materials prepared for the board.