Discussion Regarding Restructuring the Fire Department

The purpose of this case is to discuss restructuring the Fire Department by eliminating the 27 hour per week Fire Technician position and creating a fulltime Captain of Administration position.  

Fire Technician, Ms. Ann Marie Busack, submitted a letter of resignation, stating her last day with the City will be Friday, July 15, 2022. Staff was aware of the likelihood of this change and have an alternative strategy to fill the position as it is currently designed. 

The Fire Department staffing levels last increased in 2018. Since that time, we have seen increases in calls for service and city growth with the addition of residential/commercial properties.  This fulltime responding position will absorb the duties of the part time Fire Technician to include managing the department's Record Management System and other department software programs, preparing and submitting department payroll and completing fire incident input and verifying data for state submittal. 

In addition, this position will respond to daytime calls for service, which have grown 17.5% per year over the last 4 years. Other duties will include meeting the logistical requirements of the department. This includes, but is not limited to ensuring the department is in a continual state of readiness by implementing plans for equipment repair, replacement and preventative maintenance, fleet maintenance and maintaining inventory control.

 

If approved, the funding for this position in 2022 will come from the savings of the vacant position and $13,051 from the Fire Department general budget. The 2023 funding would be included in the annual budget. 

Colleen Lasher, Administrative Services Director
Matt Kohner, Fire Chief/Emergency Managment Director 

Staff would like authorization to begin a recruitment for a fulltime Fire Captain of Administration.