CITY OF FAIRFIELD
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-180
AUTHORIZING THE ADDITION OF NINE FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC OVERHIRE POSITIONS AND AN UPDATE TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 BUDGET
WHEREAS, the Fire Department relies on mandatory overtime to augment minimum staffing level requirements and currently averages 4.5 vacancies per day; and
WHEREAS, the Fire Department’s reliance on overtime has contributed to a cycle of employee fatigue, burnout, higher injury rates, and operational costs; and
WHEREAS, the Fire Department is requesting authorization to add nine firefighter/paramedic positions, equivalent to three additional personnel assigned to each shift to provide relief staffing and mitigate overtime demands; and
WHEREAS, the nine firefighter/paramedic positions will not increase minimum daily staffing and will instead 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 and helps recruit and retain a healthy workforce; and
WHEREAS, the cost of implementation in fiscal year (FY) 2027 is approximately $1,210,313 and the proposed staffing model is projected to yield an estimated $100,000 in net ongoing savings annually beginning in FY 2028 as a result of reduced overtime expenditures as well as additional long-term benefits through reduced injury -related costs, improved employee health and wellness, and a more sustainable staffing model; and
WHEREAS, a budget adjustment to increase appropriations of $1,210,313 in the General Fund (Fund 101) for the associated costs of adding of nine firefighter/paramedics; and
WHEREAS, the revised appropriation constitutes an update to the FY 2026 -2027 budget approved pursuant to Resolution No. 2026-114.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAIRFIELD HEREBY RESOLVES:
Section 1. The City Council authorizes an amendment to the FY 2027 Fire Department position control, adding nine firefighter/paramedics.
Section 2. The council authorizes a budget amendment to the Fire Department in FY 2027 of $1,210,313 to account for all associated compensation, recruitment, background, outfitting, and academy costs required to prepare the new hires for shift assignment.
RES. NO. 2026-180
Section 3. The council hereby approves an increase in appropriations of $1,210,313 in the General Fund (Fund 101).
Section 4. The council hereby authorizes the city manager or designee to take all steps necessary and proper to implement this resolution.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 18th day of August 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: MEMBERS: VACCARO/BERTANI/CARR/PANDURO/SANDHU/TONNESEN/WILLIAMS NOES: MEMBERS: _________________________________________________ ABSENT: MEMBERS: _________________________________________________ ABSTAIN: MEMBERS: _________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
___________________________
CITY CLERK