A central topic of the meeting was the ongoing staffing challenges within the Fall River police department. Police Chief Kelly Fittado presented an update on the department’s manpower issues, emphasizing the need for more officers across various divisions. The current staff levels fall short of the ideal numbers, with the A division operating with 25 officers when 40 are preferred, and the B division similarly understaffed. The major crimes division, evidence room, and crime scene unit all face similar shortages, which strain the department’s ability to meet public safety demands effectively. The chief expressed concern over the increasing number of processions requiring police presence, which diverts resources from regular traffic enforcement duties.

The discussion also delved into the disbandment of auxiliary police units due to state regulations, further compounding staffing issues. Chief Fittado noted efforts to recruit volunteers, although the numbers are insufficient to cover the gap left by the auxiliary units. The housing unit, funded for five officers, currently functions with only two, highlighting the widespread nature of the staffing shortfall. The department’s proactive measures were also discussed, with a notable number of calls for service and mental health-related incidents being addressed despite the staffing constraints.

Simultaneously, the council examined the financial implications of proposed salary increases for the EMS department, highlighting a request for an appropriation of $271,667.53 from the EMS enterprise fund receipts to support these salary adjustments. Concerns were raised about the sustainability of such increases, given ongoing negotiations with other city departments and unions. The council debated the fairness and feasibility of providing a 3% pay increase for paramedics involved in Inter-Facility Transfers (IFT), questioning whether all EMS personnel should receive equivalent compensation regardless of their specific roles.

Discussions about EMS operations extended to the new Multi-Integrated Health Community Management System (MIHCMS) command vehicle, Squad 12, which would be staffed by community paramedics trained for both interfacility transfers and home visits. Council members questioned the equity of pay structures within the EMS. The council expressed concerns about potential divisions within the EMS workforce due to differing pay scales, advocating for a more unified approach to compensation.

In addition to public safety and EMS staffing, the council addressed the contentious issue of a lease for an EMS building. The administration’s decision to proceed with a lease agreement, despite the council’s prior rejection of the appropriation, sparked debate over the council’s oversight authority and fiscal responsibility. Council members emphasized the necessity of ensuring taxpayer funds are used judiciously and called for more transparent communication from the administration regarding budgetary decisions.