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A Motion to Approve the Finance Committee’s Recommendation to Overhire Six (6) Firefighter/Paramedics in Fiscal Year 2026
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Introduction
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Pursuant to the Finance Committee’s recommendation, staff is seeking approval to overhire six (6) new firefighter/paramedic positions above the budgeted number of full-time equivalencies (FTEs) in Fiscal Year 2026.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the motion.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
• On October 14, 2025, the Board heard recommendations regarding staffing from the firefighters’ union and the Village’s consultant Baker Tilly
• On December 12, 2024, the Board adopted a motion to approve staff’s recommendation to Overhire Firefighter/Paramedic and Public Works positions in Fiscal Year 2025.
Background
On October 14, 2025, the Board heard presentations from the International Association of Firefighters Local 95 (union) and from the Village’s paid consultant, Baker Tilly, which both included recommendations for potential increases to staffing. The union recommended the addition of nine (9) new firefighter/paramedics in the short term, and 36 additional firefighter/paramedics in the long term. The purpose of these additions was to better align with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. The Baker Tilly study found that the departmental operations were adequately staffed for the number of calls for service, finding that calls for service related to structure fires, in particular, were low; however, it suggested the Village consider a two-person “squad” model to create greater flexibility, if funding or revenue sources could be identified to pay for the model. At the meeting, the Board expressed interest in the addition of six new firefighter/paramedics, and the item was referred to the Finance Committee for consideration.
On November 13, 2025, staff presented the option to conduct an overhire of firefighter/paramedics to the Finance Committee, who, based on the Village Board’s direction, were considering the permanent addition of new firefighter/paramedic positions to the Village’s budget. The Village Board has previously and routinely authorized overhire programs through the annual budget process since 2017. The purpose of an overhire program is to allow departments to meet minimum staffing requirements during times of succession or extended vacancy. The fire department has a recent history of high overtime costs driven by vacancies, long-term leaves of absence, and other contractual requirements. The adoption of an overhire program allows the Village to evaluate the impacts of additional staffing on overtime expenses, service levels, and employee quality of life, while also giving staff additional time to identify new and permanent revenue sources, such as additional funding available as a result of the state’s Transit Bill, scheduled to take effect June 1, 2026. The Finance Committee recommended the overhire of six firefighter/paramedics and, per the Board’s direction on November 20, 2025, the intent is to maintain the overhire at six (6) above budgeted staffing levels, even as natural attrition occurs.
Timing Considerations
The Village has recently completed the Final Eligibility List for Entry Level firefighter/paramedic positions which will be used to fill four (4) current vacancies of budgeted positions. If the Board adopts the overhire program, the Village may be able to hire additional firefighter/paramedics off of the current list, reducing the time it will take to fill the overhire positions.
Budget Impact
Staff expect to see an increase in salary expenses in Q1 and Q2 of FY26 and anticipates beginning to realize overtime savings in Q3 and Q4 of FY26. Staff anticipate bringing forward a budget amendment, reallocating budgeted overtime funding to salaries in the second half of the year. Staff will also bring forward recommendations regarding revenue offsets in FY26 as more information becomes available.
Staffing Impact
The addition of six (6) overhire positions in fire will increase available staff in the Fire Department. The Fire Chief will continue to explore the squad model as staffing allows.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the motion.
Advantages:
• This action meets to Board’s public safety interests.
• This action creates a pilot environment to collect data.
• This action does not increase the tax levy prematurely or unnecessarily.
• This action gives the Board greater flexibility in future financial decision-making.
Disadvantages:
• There are no disadvantages to this action.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Village Board could delay action to gain additional information or maintain the current position control requirements.
Advantages:
• This action has no impact on the levy.
• This action does not disrupt existing programming.
Disadvantages:
• This action does not address overtime expenses.
• This action does not address employee quality of life.
Alternative 2:
The Village Board could incorporate the new positions directly into the FY2026 budget and add six (6) additional FTEs.
Advantages:
• This action increases the level of service.
• This action addresses quality of life.
Disadvantages:
• This action requires an increase to the levy without understanding future revenue sources and opportunities.
Anticipated Future Actions
Staff anticipate bringing forward a budget amendment to reallocate overtime funds to regular salaries.
Prepared By: Kira Tchang, Assistant Village Manager/HR Director
Reviewed By: Jack Malec, Assistant to the Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
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