BALDWIN — The Baldwin City Council unanimously approved a restructuring plan Tuesday that will add a full-time firefighter, a move Fire Chief Ross Jackson said will improve daily coverage without increasing the city’s budget.
The plan freezes a training captain position and reallocates those funds to hire an additional firefighter, allowing the department to staff three firefighters per shift.
“The main goal is having three guys on shift,” Jackson told Now Georgia after the meeting. “Right now we will be back to fully staffed — three people per shift. It provides better coverage.”
Jackson said the change prioritizes around-the-clock response over weekday administrative duties and moves the department closer to long-term staffing goals.
“I would much rather have a firefighter 24 hours a day than I would have a training captain Monday through Friday,” he told council members.
Staying within budget
Mayor Doug Faust asked for clarification during the meeting on whether the proposal would remain within the city’s existing budget.
“What you’re doing is moving a position, freezing one position and not freezing another … to get the coverage that you need,” Faust said.
Jackson confirmed the plan does not increase overall spending and has already been incorporated into upcoming budget planning.
“It would not elevate next year’s budget as a result,” Jackson said.
The restructuring also allows for adjustments within the department’s leadership. Jackson said he plans to promote a lieutenant into a shift-based captain role to strengthen day-to-day operations, while he absorbs the training and administrative duties tied to the frozen position.
“That way some of the smaller day-to-day things that may not necessarily need to make it to my desk don’t have to,” he said.
Added responsibility, long-term goals
Following the meeting, Jackson acknowledged the shift will place additional responsibility on his role, particularly in overseeing training and personnel development.
“That would have been a Monday through Friday role … kind of like an assistant chief’s position,” he said of the training captain job.
“I’m going to be making sure everybody’s getting the training done, trying to find classes for guys and stuff like that.”
Jackson said he is confident the department can manage the change, pointing to initiative among current staff.
“I have a great group of guys,” he said. “They take that initiative themselves.”
He said the added firefighter position will also allow the department to be more selective in hiring as it works to build out its ranks.
“I’m absolutely excited,” Jackson said. “We have one position that’s open now — now we have two, so we can bring in more people and be a little more selective.”
Jackson said the approach reflects a balance between improving service and respecting financial constraints.
“It’s not in anybody’s best interest to raise taxes,” he said. “We just want to ensure that people are safe.”
Other business
In other action, the council approved an updated aid agreement with Lee Arrendale Correctional Institution. Fire officials said the agreement remains unchanged aside from updated leadership names and passed without objection.
Earlier in the meeting, council members also discussed how to use Local Road Assistance grant funding for future paving projects. Public Works Director Scott Barnhart said staff plans to return with project recommendations and cost estimates at a future meeting.
The council also recognized longtime Public Works employee Grady “Jr.” Robinson for 40 years of service ahead of his retirement next month.
