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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 t...
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