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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-28 Council Packet1 COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL August 28, 2024 12800 RAVINE PARKWAY SOUTH COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA 55016 TRAINING ROOM - 6:00 PM 1 Call to Order 2 Agenda A 2025 Budget Workshop Staff Recommendation: Provide staff with feedback and direction regarding the 2025 Budget and Property Tax Levy. B Deputy Fire Chief Position Addition 2024 Staff Recommendation: Approve the addition of a second deputy chief authorized to start on or after October 7, 2024. 3 Adjournment 1 City Council Action Request 2.A. Meeting Date 8/28/2024 Department Finance Agenda Category Presentation Title 2025 Budget Workshop Staff Recommendation Provide staff with feedback and direction regarding the 2025 Budget and Property Tax Levy. Budget Implication Attachments 1. Memo Budget Workshop 08-28-2024 2. Possible Budget Additions and Subtractions 3. Property Tax Impact to Sample Properties 4. Equipment Replacement Fund 5. 2025 Fund Balances To:Mayor and City Council Members Jennifer Levitt, City Administrator From:Brenda Malinowski, Finance Director Date:August 28, 2024 Subject:2025 Budget Workshop/Tax Levy direction INTRODUCTION This is the final workshop before the adoption of the 2025 Preliminary Property Tax Levy and Budget. The 2025 Budget process included planning and consensus throughout the process to effectively evaluate the service level impacts and property tax implications. Three Council workshops have occurred since May to review budget requests, property tax impacts, and to receive Council direction. Taxable Values Since the last Council workshop on July 31st, estimates from Washington County were received on August 16th. The August taxable value estimates are higher than estimated in July, which is lowering the city property tax impact on properties in the City, when compared to the estimates from July. The higher than estimated taxable values is due to a higher Local Taxable Value than anticipated in July. Preliminary Values Final Pay 2024 July Estimate for Pay 2025 August Estimate for Pay 2025 Estimated Market Values $6,368,295,800 $6,372,330,400 $6,389,179,400 Taxable Market Values $6,193,083,500 $6,135,382,200 $6,149,999,100 New Construction $258,602,700 $175,341,200 $175,296,900 Tax Capacity $68,904,450 $67,840,340 $68,976,218 Local Taxable Value $62,216,047 $61,501,554 $62,659,985 Property Tax Levy The budget process follows the timeline established by the State of Minnesota. Minnesota Statutes require that the preliminary budget and proposed property tax levy be approved by the City Council before September 30th. The proposed levy is then certified to Washington County by September 30th, as required by State Statute. The preliminary levy may be decreased before final adoption in December, but it may not be increased. There are four bargaining unit contracts that expire on December 31, 2024. City of Cottage Grove Levy 2024 Budget 2025 Proposed 2026 Proposed General Fund Levy $18,567,010 $20,504,300 $22,469,700 Equipment Levy 319,100 205,000 700,000 EDA Levy 275,000 137,500 187,500 Park Capital Levy 190,000 Debt Levy $3,664,490 $5,027,700 $6,490,295 Total Property Tax Levy $23,125,600 $25,874,500 $30,037,495 HRA Levy 2024 Budget 2025 Proposed 2026 Proposed HRA Levy $-$137,500 $137,500 Combined Property Tax Levies 2024 Budget 2025 Proposed 2026 Proposed Total $23,125,600 $26,012,000 $30,174,995 12.48%16.00% Tax Rate Based on this levy and taxable values from the County, the property tax rate for 2025 is 38.136%. 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 July Estimate 2025 August Estimate 2025 Property Tax Rate 38.959%39.182%37.351 37.251%33.899%32.909%38.136%37.027% (HRA levy included in Property Tax Rate Above) Financial Management Plan (FMP) The FMP was completed in 2023 and included all current and future operating costs, the capital improvement plan, existing and future debt, and tax base growth. The FMP is based on certain assumptions such as expenditure increases at 4% and non-property tax revenue increases at 2%. As a reminder the FMP targets a city property tax increase of $100 per year on the median home. Based on the August values from the County and the proposed property tax levy, the tax impacts for the five sample properties are shown below: 2024 2025 * Property Market Value City Property Tax Market Value City Property Tax % Increase Market Value City Property Tax Change Median Home $363,000 $1,180 $352,500 $1,250 -2.89%$70 Property 1 371,400 $1,203 362,900 1,292 -2.29%89 Property 2 417,900 1,368 414,900 1,502 -.72%134 Property 3 441,200 1,444 417,000 1,511 -5.49%67 Property 4 519,700 1,717 505,900 1,879 -2.66%162 Average $104 *2025 is based on the revised homestead market value exclusion (HMVE) changes. There is a decrease of approximately $35 on the median home based on the new (HMVE). The new property taxes for the new HRA Levy are included in the 2025 City Property Tax Column. This accounts for $7.50 of the increase to the median home. One-time public safety aid $1,733,127 in one-time public safety aid was received in 2023. These funds were identified to be utilized as follows: Description 2024 Budget 2025 Budget 2026 Budget Police Officers (2 FTE’s)$205,600 116,000 $63,800 Firefighter/Paramedics (3 FTE’s)222,750 156,750 86,214 Fire staffing plan 100,000 Toughbook computers and watchguard 188,000 71,000 73,013 Training for FF/EMT’s 24,000 SCBA’s for fire (or fund Deputy Chief)450,000 Total $716,350 $793,750 $223,027 Based on the preliminary 2025 Budget, these funds are now identified to be utilized as follows: Description 2024 Budget 2025 Budget 2026 Budget 2027 Budget Police Officers (2 FTE’s)$205,600 116,000 $63,800 Firefighter/Paramedics (3 FTE’s)222,750 156,750 86,200 Fire staffing plan 100,000 Paramedic School (36,000)36,000 Deputy Chief 177,000 188,300 Toughbook computers and watchguard 188,000 103,000 72,990 SCBA’s for fire 50,000 2,737 Total $716,350 $638,750 $411,290 2,737 The property tax impact of adding these items to the property tax levy as the one-time public safety aid is depleted has been included in the FMP. Property Tax Levy Additions and Subtractions Included in the packet is a spreadsheet with items that can be added or subtracted from the Budget. The items highlighted in yellow are anticipated to be funded with savings from the 2024 Budget with a Budget Carryforward. Action Requested Provide feedback and direction regarding the 2025 Operating Budget and 2025 Property Tax Levy. 2025 Property Tax Levy-Addition Budget Additions and Equipment 23,125,600$ ##########3,377.00$ 1180.17 Changes Levy Levy Increase % Tax Rate City Taxes Median Home Change from 2024 $ Change 2025 Property Tax Levy 26,012,000$ 12.48%37.036%1,250.72$ 70.55$ Remove LGA 50,000$ 26,062,000$ 12.70%37.511%1,266.74$ 86.57$ 16.02$ Raise cap on Annual Leave by 16 hours 190,000$ 26,252,000$ 13.52%37.814%1,276.98$ 96.81$ 26.26$ BA-This the amount needed to change to Police Officer start date from 7/1/2025 to 1/1/2025. Department had requested 1/1/2025 start date but changed to 7/1/2025 for budget savings.60,000$ 26,312,000$ 13.78%37.910%1,280.21$ 100.04$ 100.04$ BA-Parks-Increase portable restroom for likely contract increase in order to have the same number of portable restrooms from 2024 to 2025. 17,000$ 26,329,000$ 13.85%37.937%1,281.13$ 100.96$ 14.39$ BA-Increase Bobcat lease amount for Parks for the lease increase from 2024 to 2025 in order to lease for the same period as 2024 which is for the entire year. 14,000$ 26,343,000$ 13.91%37.959%1,281.88$ 101.71$ 0.75$ BA-Tasers lease 46 tasers for the next five years.42,000$ 26,385,000$ 14.09%38.026%1,284.14$ 103.97$ 2.26$ BA-Forestry-Increase trimming due to costs & number of trees. Department had requested $50,000 but it was reduced to $30,000 for budget savings.$50,000 enables 1,200 trees to be trimmed and $30,000 enables 1,000 trees to be trimmed.20,000$ 26,405,000$ 14.18%38.058%1,285.22$ 105.05$ 1.08$ BA-Increase fire building maintenance account to the amount requested by department. Finance had reduced to the amount needed based on estimated costs.4,400$ 26,409,400$ 14.20%38.065%1,285.46$ 105.29$ 0.24$ BA-Refurbish Bearcat. This the City portion of the refurbishment of the countywide vehicle. Total cost is $126,000 and is shared with members agencies of WCSO.27,000$ 26,436,400$ 14.32%38.108%1,286.91$ 106.74$ 1.46$ Equpment-2013 vehicle for Recreation moved from 2025 request year to 2026. This is amount needed to move back to 2025.50,000$ 26,486,400$ 14.53%38.188%1,289.61$ 109.44$ 2.69$ Equipment-2014 vehicle for Fire Marshal moved from 2025 request year to 2026. This is amount needed to move back to 2025.72,000$ 26,558,400$ 14.84%38.303%1,293.49$ 113.32$ 3.88$ Equipment-Assigned vehicle program spare.52,000$ 26,610,400$ 15.07%38.386%1,296.29$ 116.12$ 2.80$ Equipment-Assigned vehicle program spare.52,000$ 26,662,400$ 15.29%38.469%1,299.09$ 118.92$ 2.80$ BA-Inspector. This is amount that would be needed to replace the two seasonal Inspectors (one is Building and one is Code Enforcement) that are currently in 2025 Budget with one FT Building Inspector.48,500$ 26,710,900$ 15.50%38.546%1,301.71$ 121.54$ 2.61$ BA-Warning Siren for Mississippi Dunes Park moved from 2025 request year to 2027. This is the amount needed to move back to 2025.40,690$ 26,751,590$ 15.68%38.611%1,303.90$ 123.73$ 2.19$ Equipment-Sidewalk Machine that was requested to be replaced in 2025 but moved to 2026. This is the amount needed to move back to 2025.225,000$ 26,976,590$ 16.65%38.970%1,316.03$ 135.86$ 12.13$ Every $25,000 is .11% Levy Increase and $1.37 on median home Changes Levy Levy Increase % Tax Rate City Taxes Median Home Change from 2024 $ Change Items that can be pushed per Department Directors 26,012,000$ 12.48%37.431%1,264.04$ 83.87$ Community Development-Not hire Seasonal Code Enforcement (35,000)$ 25,977,000$ 12.33%37.375%1,262.15$ 81.98$ (1.89)$ Community Development-Push replacement of 2011 Vehicle for Inspections (45,000)$ 25,932,000$ 12.14%37.303%1,259.73$ 79.56$ (2.43)$ Administration-Push Community Survey to 2026 (30,000)$ 25,902,000$ 12.01%37.255%1,258.11$ 77.94$ (1.62)$ Public Works-Remove BA for trimming in 2025 if no longer planting boulevard trees (30,000)$ 25,872,000$ 11.88%37.207%1,256.50$ 76.33$ (1.62)$ Public Works-Asphalt remove 500 tons for 2025 budget. Will need in 2026.(40,500)$ 25,831,500$ 11.70%37.143%1,254.31$ 74.14$ (2.18)$ Public Works-Pursue a used facilities van ($100,000 to $50,000)(50,000)$ 25,781,500$ 11.48%37.063%1,251.62$ 71.45$ (2.69)$ Parks & Recreation-Move court resurfacing from 5 to 6 year plan (20,000)$ 25,761,500$ 11.40%37.031%1,250.54$ 70.37$ (1.08)$ Parks & Recreation-Reduce quantity of portable restroom units (10,000)$ 25,751,500$ 11.35%37.015%1,250.00$ 69.83$ (0.54)$ Public Safety-Push Start date of Police Officer to 1/1/2026 (60,000)$ 25,691,500$ 11.10%36.919%1,246.77$ 66.60$ (3.23)$ Public Works-Push 2010 dump truck to 2026-levy reduction 26 of $73,000 -$ 25,691,500$ 11.10%36.919%1,246.77$ 66.60$ -$ Public Safety-Push order date of Fire Tender-levy reduction 26 of $148,000 -$ 25,691,500$ 11.10%36.919%1,246.77$ 66.60$ -$ Changes Levy Levy Increase % Tax Rate City Taxes Median Home Change from 2024 $ Change 2025 Property Tax Levy 26,012,000$ 12.48%37.431%1,264.04$ 83.87$ Deletion (25,000)$ 25,987,000$ 12.37%37.391%1,262.69$ 82.52$ (1.35)$ Deletion (50,000)$ 25,937,000$ 12.16%37.311%1,260.00$ 79.83$ (2.69)$ Deletion (75,000)$ 25,862,000$ 11.83%37.192%1,255.96$ 75.79$ (4.04)$ Deletion (100,000)$ 25,762,000$ 11.40%37.032%1,250.57$ 70.40$ (5.39)$ Deletion (125,000)$ 25,637,000$ 10.86%36.832%1,243.83$ 63.66$ (6.74)$ Deletion (150,000)$ 25,487,000$ 10.21%36.593%1,235.75$ 55.58$ (8.08)$ Deletion (175,000)$ 25,312,000$ 9.45%36.314%1,226.32$ 46.15$ (9.43)$ 2024 2025 from July Change from 2024 2025 based on County Estimates from August Change from 2024 Gross Property Tax Levy 23,125,600 26,012,100 26,012,100 Fiscal Disparity Distribution (2,687,877) (2,610,842) (2,861,847) 20,437,723 23,401,258 23,150,253 Market Value 6,368,295,800 6,372,330,400 6,389,179,400 Taxable Market Value 6,193,083,500 6,135,382,200 6,149,999,100 New Construction 258,602,700 175,341,200 175,296,900 Tax Capacity 68,904,450 67,840,340 68,976,218 Fiscal Disparity Contribution (3,600,279) (4,918,537) (4,895,753) Tax Increment (3,088,124) (1,420,249) (1,420,480) Local Taxable Value 62,216,047 61,501,554 62,659,985 Combined 0.328496007 0.380498646 0.369458323 Urban 0.32909 0.38136 0.37027 Rural 0.24598 0.28770 0.27933 City Property Tax Median Home 1,180$ 1,288$ 108$ 1,250$ 71$ Sample Property 1 1,203$ 1,331$ 128$ 1,292$ 89$ Sample Property 2 1,368$ 1,547$ 179$ 1,502$ 134$ Sample Property 3 1,444$ 1,556$ 112$ 1,511$ 67$ Sample Property 4 1,717$ 1,935$ 218$ 1,879$ 162$ 149 104 Equipment Replacement Fund 2023 2024 2025 2026 Revenues: Property Tax Levy-Equipment -$ 319,100$ 204,570$ 700,000$ Debt Levy-Equip. Certificates - - 63,670 505,195 Transfer In-General Fund 418,837 - - - Equipment Sales 9,025 750 89,000 Investment Interest 81,800 16,000 4,172 - Total Revenues:509,662 335,850 272,412 1,294,195 Expenditures: Equipment Paid 2023 522,969 Equipment Purchases 2023 & Prior - 805,722 Equipment Purchases 2024 Budget - 1,163,890 Equipment Purchases - - 2,552,500 3,097,200 Total Expenditures:522,969 1,969,612 2,552,500 3,097,200 Other Financing Sources/(Uses) Equipment Certificates 502,783 1,920,000 1,080,000 Transfer Out-Debt Payment (60,638) (545,190) Issuance Costs (2,783) (38,400) (21,600) Total Other:- 500,000 1,820,962 513,210 Beginning Fund Balance 1,635,867$ 1,622,560$ 488,798$ 29,672$ Ending Fund balance 1,622,560$ 488,798$ 29,672$ (1,260,123)$ 2024 Equipment Ford Explorer (21-1247-13)Police 50,000 Ford Interceptor (21-1660-16)Police 50,000 Fire Radios Fire 30,330 Squads (Police)Police 472,560 Mower (31-8509-14)Streets 68,000 Enclosed Trailer (41-7010-06)Parks 10,000 Redi-Haul Trailer (41-7013-05)Parks 22,000 Utility Vehicle with Sprayer (41-8705-05)Parks 125,000 Equipment Cert Toro Groundsmaster Mower (41-8504-15)Parks 116,000 Equipment Cert Utility Vehicle with Attachments (New)Streets 220,000 Equipment Cert 1,163,890$ Form#2025 Equipment 2 Squad Cars Squad Cars Police 360,000 4 Engine 26-3135-96 Fire 650,000 Equipment Cert 5 1 ton truck 41-4204-08 Parks 115,000 Equipment Cert 6 Mower 16-foot 41 Parks 159,000 7 Gator 41 Parks 32,500 8 Plow for pickup 1409 41 Parks 13,000 10 Dump Truck Single Axle 31-4002-10 Streets 325,000 Equipment Cert 9 Dump Truck Single Axle 31-4008-09 Streets 325,000 Equipment Cert 11 Brush Chipper 31-6001-09 Streets 100,000 Equipment Cert 12 Asphalt patcher 31-6008-05 Streets 305,000 Equipment Cert 13 Stand up mower 31-8501-15 Streets 10,000 15 Plow for pickup 1003 31 Streets 13,000 17 Vehicle for inspections 13-5011-11 Inspections 45,000 25 Vehicle for building maintenance Fleet Fleet 100,000 Equipment Cert 2,552,500 2026 Equipment 27 Vehicle for police 21-1662-12 Police 53,500 28 Vehicle for police 21-1839-14 Police 53,500 29 Squad Cars Squad Cars Police 556,200 3 Vehicle for fire marshal 26-1360-14 Fire 72,000 Moved from 2025 14 Sidewalk machine 34-8710-18 Snow 225,000 Moved from 2025 31 Garbage truck 41-6003-14 Parks 165,000 32 Trailer 41-7015 Parks 12,000 33 Mower 16-foot 41-8511-18 Parks 165,000 34 Gator 41-8704-05 Parks 32,500 35 Tractor 41-8403-08 Parks 117,000 36 Plow for tractor 41-8401-16 Parks 46,000 37 Gator 41 Parks 32,500 38 Blower for new tractor 41 Parks 20,000 39 Forestry aerial service truck 36-6009-07 Forestry 240,000 Equipment Cert 40 Utility vehicle with attachments 31-8409-16 Streets 235,000 41 Stand on spreader/sprayer 31-6010-16 Streets 13,000 42 Trailer 31-7004-06 Streets 12,000 43 Loader and wing 31-8002-91 Streets 337,000 Equipment Cert 44 Sign truck 32-1101-07 Signs 170,000 Equipment Cert 45 Dump Truck Single Axle 31-4001-10 Streets 335,000 Equipment Cert 46 Crew cab 31 Streets 70,000 16 Vehicle for recreation 51-5003-13 Recreation 50,000 Moved from 2025 47 Scrubber sweeper Fleet Fleet 85,000 3,097,200 2027 Equipment pushed from 2026 30 Vehicle for fire chief 26-3117-15 Fire 72,000 Moved from 2026 Equipment in Other Funds for 2025 18 Vac Truck 700,000 Sewer and Storm 19 Aerial street light service truck 230,000 Street lights 20 Forklift for treatment plant 45,000 State reimburse. 21 Lift for treatment plant 80,000 State reimburse. 22 Scrubber for treatment plant 85,000 State reimburse. 23 Scissor lift for treatment plant 45,000 State reimburse. 26 Ambulance 305,000 EMS Fund Equipment in other Funds in 2026 48 Hotsy trailer 25,000 Water 49 Trailered air compressor 40,000 Water 50 Ambulance 340,000 EMS Fund FUND BALANCE SCHEDULE FUND BALANCE SCHEDULE 2024 2025 Budget 2026 Budget 2022 2023 Estimated 2025 2025 Estimated 2026 2026 Estimated Fund Ending Ending Ending Budget Budget Ending Budget Budget Ending Fund Name No.Balance Balance Balance Revenue Expenditures Balance Revenue Expenditures Balance General 100 13,314,103 15,416,570 15,416,570 27,125,340 27,125,340 15,416,570 28,965,570 28,965,570 15,416,570 Special Revenue Equipment Replacement 210 1,635,867 1,622,561 488,798 2,192,412 2,651,538 29,672 2,374,195 3,663,990 (1,260,123) Recycling 215 94,926 98,744 93,524 61,000 64,990 89,534 63,000 68,580 83,954 Storm Water 230 2,060,248 2,512,423 2,700,418 1,274,600 1,401,130 2,573,888 1,352,900 1,101,450 2,825,338 Roadway & Trail Maint. Fund 235 230,719 483,944 626,304 2,019,400 1,884,000 761,704 2,111,000 1,979,000 893,704 Forfeiture 240 71,032 6,470 (1,430)24,000 22,340 230 24,000 23,930 300 Opioid Settlement 245 76 158,720 48,792 48,792 48,792 Ice Arena 250 (589,952)(530,812)(428,732)1,710,000 1,666,350 (385,082)1,754,000 1,648,260 (279,342) Golf Course 255 (55,785)(1,413,802)(1,308,322)3,243,917 3,236,440 (1,300,845)3,373,660 3,341,215 (1,268,400) Convention & Visitors Bureau 265 0 111,358 61,768 98,300 92,380 67,688 104,800 93,510 78,978 HRA 280 0 0 0 137,500 104,800 32,700 137,500 109,900 60,300 EDA 285 (446,299)(600,675)(892,000)237,500 525,610 (1,180,110)287,500 599,600 (1,492,210) Enterprise (Unrestricted Fund Balance) Water Operating 610 8,375,307 8,226,429 5,514,314 4,251,500 3,541,090 5,224,724 4,582,200 3,757,550 6,049,374 Sewer Operating 620 5,842,533 5,757,724 5,934,154 4,244,570 4,587,520 5,591,204 4,500,050 4,418,340 5,672,914 Street Light 630 374,809 390,176 511,606 1,347,900 1,373,630 485,876 1,445,600 1,187,270 744,206 Cottage Grove EMS 660 (400,370)(188,851)(188,851)2,955,100 3,274,710 (508,461)3,252,560 3,441,780 (697,681) Internal Service Self Insurance 700 598,487 184,156 199,146 4,048,400 3,860,540 387,006 4,397,050 4,040,390 743,666 Fleet Maintenance 710 (102,956)(176,767)(228,427)2,331,660 2,296,720 (193,487)2,430,940 2,413,420 (175,967) Information Services 720 (341,315)(38,776)(20,741)2,042,900 2,194,795 (172,636)2,111,940 1,986,085 (46,781) 30,605,602 32,019,592 28,526,891 59,345,999 59,903,923 26,968,967 63,268,465 62,839,840 27,397,592 1 City Council Action Request 2.B. Meeting Date 8/28/2024 Department Public Safety Agenda Category Action Item Title Deputy Fire Chief Position Addition 2024 Staff Recommendation Approve the addition of a second deputy chief authorized to start on or after October 7, 2024. Budget Implication N/A Attachments 1. Deputy Fire Chief Position August 22 2024 To:Honorable Mayor and City Council Jennifer Levitt, City Administrator Brenda Malinowski, Finance Director From:Peter Koerner, Director of Public Safety Jon Pritchard, Deputy Director of Public Safety – Fire Chief Date:August 22, 2024 Subject: DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF POSITION ADDITION 2024 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND The Cottage Grove Fire Department (CGFD) is a rapidly evolving department committed to service excellence to deliver exceptional outcomes to those in the community. CGFD is a progressive fire department with a holistic vision to provide excellent services throughout its mission areas including fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS), community risk reduction, specialized response, and rescue services while developing the highest caliber of talent and department culture. To serve the mission and fulfill the vision of the fire department, an adequate and well- structured leadership team is crucial. In 2019, the fire department’s leadership structure was evaluated as part of a city-wide organizational study. In the 2019 study findings, there were several changes recommended including the addition of a fire marshal, shift-based supervisors (Fire Captains) and the addition of a second Deputy Chief. The second deputy chief is the remaining piece to fulfill the 2019 organizational study recommendations for the fire department. The current structure of one Fire Chief and one Deputy Chief is not adequate to provide sufficient management and leadership to the fire department. The consequence is that the current chief officers work well outside of a manageable span of control and any work that is not able to be completed by them is then placed upon shift supervisors. In turn, shift supervisors are pulled away from their primary duty of supervising shift personnel to work on chief level projects and programs. The lack of a third chief officer has also resulted in the department not having adequate chief level response coverage of emergency incidents since two chief officers must provide afterhours coverage 24 hours and 365 days per year. The organizational plan recommends (and is supported by the leadership team) two Deputy Chiefs. One Deputy Chief would be primarily responsible for daily operations, EMS, fire and EMS fleet responsibilities and supervision of Fire Captains. The Deputy Chief would be referred to as the “Operations Chief.” The second Deputy Chief would be responsible for fire and EMS training, new firefighter on-boarding and field training, developing department policy and procedures, professional development of firefighters, wellness, health and safety and assuring compliance with professional standards. The second Deputy Chief would be referred to as the “Training Chief.” The Training Chief would supervise fire department Field Training Officers (FTO), Fire/EMS Instructors and the Live Fire Training Burn Team. FINANCIAL IMPACTS The position is included in the 2025 budget and will be funded for two years with One-time public safety aid. There is 2024 budget savings from vacant positions in the Fire Department Budget to begin this position on October 7, 2024. OPERATIONAL IMPACTS Throughout the 2024 fiscal year, the opportunity to add the second Deputy Fire Chief was evaluated due to the significant need for the fire department. As the year progressed, the financial viability was becoming favorable for a 2024 start but the impact on shift-based staffing had to be considered. Due to multiple retirements, promotions, and the addition of three full- time firefighter positions, there were multiple full-time positions open. The fire department experienced prolonged vacancies for these positions due to a variety of factors driven by the local market for full-time firefighter positions. The fire department has now identified a sufficient amount of quality candidates to fill all fire department full-time fire department vacancies. The Deputy Fire Chief will also create an opening for a full-time firefighter and since the department had a successful recruitment effort this Summer, this allows the ability to backfill this position in face of a tight market. This opportunity may pass if quality candidates are not hired when available and pushing the Deputy Chief back further may create a prolonged vacancy if the quality candidates are not hired soon. With the current budget process, we anticipated a start date after January 1, 2025. We have accelerated the start date to meet the needs of the department. The goal date for the on-boarding (start date) for the current group of full-time firefighter candidates is October 7, 2024. The Fire Department recommends authorizing the start date of the new Deputy Chief position to be October 7, 2024, as well. This will also allow the Deputy Chief to support the on-boarding of four new full-time firefighters. The October 7 date should remain flexible to push back if on-shift staffing does not allow for starting the position on October 7. RECOMMENDATIONS Recommend the addition of a second deputy chief authorized to start on or after October 7, 2024.