Fire territory requests new captain and $500,000 for overtime; hiring contingent on legislation

The fire protection territory reported a 4.7% increase in its fund and requested a new captain position plus $500,000 for overtime in 2027. The fire representative told the council that the new captain position will not be filled until after the state legislative session to ensure funding remains available. "So that position will not be filled until after the session's over to make sure we don't have any negative impact from any changes in how the funding's gonna work," the fire representative said.

Staff provided detail on equipment, training and protective gear costs in the territory's budget; the territory also plans owner-representation and third-party ambulance-fee collection expenses. Council members and staff agreed to hold hiring until legislative outcomes are clear to avoid creating an unfunded recurring position.