Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the Fire Department to double fill 15 firefighter positions from January 8, 2024 through June 30, 2025. The double fill authorization will allow MFD to run two academies in 2024, as stated in the 2024 adopted operating budget, in an effort to maintain full staffing in 2024 and 2025 and instituting a better aligned graduate-retirement cycle.
MFD is projecting a salary surplus of $2.5 million dollars in 2023 due to having 29 vacancies in Local 311 during the first half of 2024 and nine (9) vacancies in the second half. Conversely, MFD is projecting $5 million in overtime, resulting in an overtime budget deficit of $1.95 million. Allowing the 15 double fill positions in order to run two academies in 2024 will bring regular salaries and overtime more in line with the adopted budget, effectively reducing the salary surplus but also the overtime deficit. Approval of the 15 double fill positions in 2024 is projected to result in MFD averaging 5.5 FTE below minimum staffing each day, equating to $2.7 million of projected overtime for minimum staffing. The Fire Department’s total overtime budget for 2024 is $3.07 million. Budgeted salary savings will be realized by natural attrition and turnover.
Title
Authorizing the double fill of firefighter positions (Local 311) in the City of Madison Fire Department in order to run two recruit academies in 2024 and maintain full staffing following planned and anticipated retirements in 2024 and 2025
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Madison Fire Department (MFD) currently has 393 authorized full-time-equivalent positions in Local 311, nine (9) of which are currently vacant;
WHEREAS, MFD is running an academy of 24 recruits from January 8, 2024 through June 7, 2024;
WHEREAS, MFD is anticipating 12 retirements in the first half of 2024 with some of those retirements effective the same week the academy starts and the rest likely effective by the time those recruits graduate and are placed in the field;
WHEREAS, the 24 vacant positions that are needed will require up to 15 double fill positions beyond 30 days, requiring Common Council approval per the City of Madison’s Personnel Rules;
WHEREAS, authorizing up to 15 double fill positions for the first half of 2024 will allow MFD to run an academy of 24 recruits starting in January 2024 with most of the double fills likely becoming vacated by retirements;
WHEREAS, MFD is also planning to run a second academy of 10 to 15 recruits starting in July 2024 with the final number of recruits being determined by staffing levels in 2024 and anticipated retirements in 2025;
WHEREAS, Local 311 personnel do not need to provide a binding retirement date, making it challenging for MFD to plan the timing and size of academies in order to maintain full staffing levels for an entire year;
WHEREAS, running a second academy will ensure 10-15 recruits graduate by the end of 2024, allowing MFD to maintain full staffing for 2025 and instituting a graduate-retirement cycle that is more aligned;
WHEREAS, being fully staffed in 2024 and 2025 will greatly reduce the need for minimum staffing overtime and will allow MFD’s creative staffing model to take effect;
WHEREAS, a second academy in 2024 will also require authorization of up to 15 double fill positions;
WHEREAS, this resolution is requesting 15 double fills for the second half of 2024 in order to allow MFD enough time to notify and commit an academy to Madison Area Technical College (MATC) so that MATC can develop their academic calendar year;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Madison Fire Department is authorized to double fill 15 firefighter positions from January 8, 2024 through June 30, 2024 for recruit class 61;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Madison Fire Department is authorized to double fill up to 15 firefighter positions from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 for recruit class 62.