Fairfield, CA Considers 9 New Firefighter Positions to Curb Overtime

Fairfield firefighters have been working more overtime than the city would like, and the cost is climbing. The City Council will consider a plan Tuesday to add nine firefighter/paramedic positions.

Key Takeaways

• The Fairfield City Council will vote on adding nine new firefighter/paramedic positions.
• The first-year cost is estimated at $1.21 million for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
• Fire Department overtime has exceeded budget by more than $1 million annually for six years.
• The new staffing model is projected to save about $100,000 per year starting in 2028.
• The council must approve a $1.21 million General Fund budget amendment to fund the positions.

Why the Department Wants to Hire

The department currently operates under a constant staffing model that relies upon mandatory overtime to meet minimum staffing levels and ensure uninterrupted emergency response.

The Fairfield Fire Department currently averages about 4.5 daily vacancies due to scheduled leave, training, injuries and other absences. To maintain minimum staffing levels, firefighters are required to work beyond their assigned 48-hour shifts, leading to mandatory overtime.

According to the city's staff report, the increasing reliance on mandatory overtime has contributed to fatigue, burnout, higher injury rates and increased operational costs.

What the Proposal Includes

The proposal would add nine firefighter/paramedic positions, with three assigned to each of the department's three shifts.

These "overhire" 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.

The estimated first-year cost is $1,210,313. That includes $940,913 in salary and benefits for nine firefighters for 5.5 months, $54,000 for background checks and medical exams, $61,200 for initial outfitting, $34,200 for a second turnout set, and $120,000 for academy costs.

These costs were not accounted for in the 2026-27 adopted budget. A budget amendment is required to authorize an increase in appropriations of $1.21 million to the General Fund in the Fire Department.

Projected Savings

Beginning in fiscal year 2027-28, the new staffing model is expected to result in net ongoing savings of approximately $100,000 annually through reduced overtime expenditures. The city also anticipates longer-term savings from reduced injury-related costs and improved employee health and wellness.

The recruitment of lateral firefighters may further reduce startup costs if market interest exists.

Local Context in Solano County

Fairfield is the county seat of Solano County. The Fire Department provides emergency response for the city's residents, and staffing decisions directly affect response times and public safety. The council will meet at 6 p.m. in the Harry T. Price Memorial Council Chamber at 1000 Webster St.

The meeting agenda is available at www.fairfield.ca.gov/government/city-council/city-council-meetings.

Background

The Fire Department has exceeded its overtime budget by more than $1 million annually during each of the past six fiscal years. Increased occupational injuries and the need to maintain minimum staffing through mandatory overtime are cited as the primary drivers.

What Happens Next

If the council approves the resolution, the positions will be funded for the remainder of the 2026-27 fiscal year. If the proposal is rejected, the department will continue relying on mandatory overtime to cover daily vacancies.