Agenda Item No: L.1
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: August 18, 2026
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: David Gassaway, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution 2026-180 FD Firefighter Overhire
Authorizing the Addition of Nine Firefighter/Paramedic Overhire Positions and an Update to the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget
Funding Source: $1,210,313; General Fund
Contact: John Sturdee, (707) 436-7228
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt resolution.
STATEMENT OF ISSUE
The Fire Department request s approval to add nine firefighter/paramedic positions to the Fire Department's authorized staffing. These positions will serve as extra staffing to provide coverage for up to three daily vacancies without requiring backfill overtime and will not be included in the Department's minimum staffing requirements.
DISCUSSION
The Fire Department currently operates under a constant staffing model that relies upon mandatory overtime to meet minimum staffing levels and ensure uninterrupted emergency response. The Department averages approximately 4.5 daily vacancies due to scheduled leave, training, injury, and other absences . These daily vacancies require firefighters to routinely work beyond their assigned 48 -hour shifts and necessitate overtime . While overtime is an essential staffing tool, the Department's increasing reliance on mandatory overtime has contributed to employee fatigue, burnout, higher injury rates, and increased operational costs.
To reduce reliance on mandatory overtime, staff request s authorization to add nine firefighter/paramedic positions, equivalent to three additional personnel assigned to each shift.
These positions will serve as overhire staffing and will not increa se the Department's minimum staffing requirements. Instead, they will provide coverage for routine daily vacancies, creating a
more sustainable staffing model that enhances emergency response readiness, improves operational resilience, supports firefighter health and wellness, helps recruit and retain a healthy workforce, and has proven to reduce overtime in other departments.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Fire Department overtime expenditures ha ve exceeded the adopted budget by more than $1 million annually for the past six fiscal years, placing continued pressure on the General Fund. The primary drivers are increased occupational injuries and the need to maintain minimum staffing through mandatory overtime. Staff recommends the addition of nine firefighter/paramedic relief positions to reduce reliance on mandatory overtime.
The estimated first-year cost is $1,210,313 . However, the proposed staffing model is projected to result in net ongoing savi ngs beginning in fiscal year (FY) 20 28 of approximately $100,000 annually through reduced overtime expenditures (10155200).
FY 2027 Cost Breakdown
Salary & Benefits* (9 Firefighters for 5.5 months) $940,913 Background / Psych / Medical Exam $54,000
Initial Outfitting / Initial Turnout Set $61,200
2nd Turnout Set $34,200
Academy $120,000
Total FY27 $1,210,313
*Does not include any impact to future Memorandum of Understanding agreements
First-year start -up costs include recruitment, background, outfitting, and academy time.
Additional long -term fiscal benefits are also anticipated through reduced injury -related costs, improved employee health and wellness, and a more sustainable staffing model. The recruitment of lateral firefighters may further reduce startup costs if market interest exists.
These costs were not accounted for in the FY 2026-2027 adopted budget. Therefore, a budget amendment is required to authorize an increase in appropriations of $1,210,313 to the General Fund (Fund 101) in the Fire Department.
PUBLIC CONTACT/ADVISORY BODY RECOMMENDATION
N/A
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
The City Council may choose not to adopt the resolution. However, the cycle of reliance on overtime to meet minimum staffing will continue.
COORDINATED WITH
Finance Department, City Manager’s Office, and Human Resources Department
STAFF CONTACT
Taylor Armour, Fire Administration Division Manager
(707) 428-7593
[email protected]
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 2: Proposed Resolution