Fiscal Note
The net cost of the double-fill in 2019 is about $7,000 for salaries and fringe benefits. As of the third quarter projection, the Fire Department is anticipated to be over budget $1.8 million. Salaries are projected to be over budget $1,164,200 primarily due to not meeting salary savings ($393,000) and overtime ($754,600). Covering these shortfalls will require an appropriation and will be part of the year-end appropriation resolution offered in November.
Title
Approving the double fill of one Fire Assistant Chief position starting on November 3, 2019 due to the planned retirement of a Chief.
Body
The Fire Department had an unexpected leave of absence of an Assistant Fire Chief in August 2019. There is a planned retirement of one Assistant Fire Chief in January 2020. This retirement will result in a promotion of an Assistant Chief and a new Division Chief.
The Department has several projects these new Chiefs will have to work on and/or be responsible for in 2019 and 2020. Time is needed to work with current Chiefs who may be promoted and with the transition of information and process orientation as to projects and responsibilities of the retiring Chief. The Department would like to double-fill an Assistant Chief position starting on November 3, 2019 which is in excess of the thirty (30) days authorized by Madison General Ordinance.
The Department intends to reduce budget expenses to cover the double-fill of this position for 2019. Any funds transfer will occur in the annual budget resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that approval is granted to double-fill an Assistant Fire Chief position starting on November 3, 2019 and ending upon the retirement of one Chief in 2020.