Council discusses hires, retention bonuses and vehicle replacement planning

Finance staff presented the personnel changes incorporated into the proposed FY27 budget, which include five firefighter-paramedic positions (with a reclassification), two police officers, a GIS analyst in IT and an engineering assistant in Development Services. Fire staff told council that fire apparatus must be ordered two to three years ahead because of build timelines, and that funds are being reserved in the vehicle‑replacement program to accommodate those purchases.

Police leadership raised retention concerns and suggested a one‑time stipend to help retain staff amid regional competition; the chief said a proposed retention program for police would cost roughly $434,000 while vacancies reduce payroll costs in the current year. Interim City Manager Isom Cameron asked finance staff to evaluate whether a one‑time bonus funded from 2026 savings is feasible and to return with a recommendation to council.