Council allows temporary positions at fire department to address shortage

Staffing shortages at the Newton Fire Department were addressed by city council members on Nov. 21 after they approved the addition of two temporary full-time firefighter/paramedic positions, which would later be eliminated through attrition. The shortage was due to medical leave and impending turnover.

According to city documents, two staff members are on medical leave. One is currently waiting for a final determination on permanent disability, while the other is on medical leave for an undetermined amount of time. Meanwhile, another staff member is awaiting a final offer for a position at another fire department.

In addition to vacation calendars being locked down, occasional mandatory hold for overtime and reduced staffing levels, the fire station says it is losing transfer revenue. The Newton Fire Department has collected more than $1 million in revenue from transfers over the past few years.

Council member Randy Ervin noted the city’s employee relations committee discussed the matter before the council meeting. This is not the first time the city has done a situation like this, Ervin said. By creating the positions it allows the fire station to “get ahead of the curve.”

To note, the council’s action does not create two new permanent positions in the fire department. They are considered permanent positions but will be attrited.

“Overall it’s really a good thing for our fire department to do this,” Ervin said.