The council delved deeply into the fire department’s current staffing levels, with a proposal to increase the number of firefighters from 61 to 63 in the 2025 budget. Despite this proposed increase, the department continues to grapple with staffing shortages, which have contributed to rising overtime costs. A council member inquired about the optimal staffing number that would effectively reduce the need for overtime, although a definitive figure was not provided. The department’s workforce includes many newer employees, with half having less than five years of experience.

The fire chief presented an overview of the department’s operational challenges, underscoring the inadequacy of the current staffing model, especially given the construction of larger buildings in the area. This was exemplified by a recent incident where only seven firefighters were available to handle a fire inside a smaller apartment building.

Budget discussions revealed an increase in overtime expenses, with costs rising from $1.1 million to $1.2 million, alongside a 43% increase in other expenses for the department. These financial strains are compounded by the necessity for new equipment, as many of the current vehicles exceed the recommended service age. The chief highlighted the need for a planned replacement program, noting that the lead time for acquiring new fire apparatus has stretched to three to four years post-pandemic. The council was urged to continue funding a sinking fund to ensure sufficient resources for future purchases, given the high costs associated with new fire trucks and other essential equipment.

The potential for shared services among municipalities was also discussed as a means to mitigate financial pressures. Englewood’s fire department often provides mutual aid to neighboring towns, and there was a suggestion that these municipalities should contribute financially to the services provided. This discussion was fueled by public comments questioning whether larger nearby towns should assume more responsibility for mutual aid, rather than relying heavily on Englewood’s resources.

Public comments brought further perspectives to the table. One resident questioned the strategic role of Englewood as a primary mutual aid provider. Another resident advocated for holding utility companies accountable for securing areas affected by gas leaks and stressed the importance of ongoing training within the fire department to address workplace culture and safety.

The council meeting also touched upon the city’s broader budgetary concerns, including the hiring of an internal management consultant for $73,000. Residents questioned the necessity of this position, considering department managers are tasked with budget management and cost-effective measures. The discussion extended to the city clerk’s office budget, which saw an increase due to digitization efforts aimed at reducing storage costs and improving access to records.

Council members expressed appreciation for the transparency of budget discussions, recognizing the need for modernization in city management to address inefficiencies and adapt to evolving challenges. The introduction of AI-powered systems for processing meeting minutes in the city clerk’s office was highlighted as a step towards operational efficiency.