The Auburn Fire Department is seeking $8.2 million in the city’s upcoming budget.
During a presentation before Auburn City Council on Thursday, Fire Chief Mark Fritz said the increase from last year’s $7.9 million budget is largely due to an increase in salary and wages. There is also an increase in operating costs due to equipment maintenance. Fritz added that the department won’t be purchasing any new vehicles for the upcoming budget year, which begins July 1.
During his presentation, Fritz also took the opportunity to provide statistics for 2023. Last year, the department received 8,049 calls for service. While only a total volume increase of 2.57%, Fritz said there was a total fire volume increase of 31.77% with the number of structure fires increasing by 53.20%.
Services provided by the fire department were also highlighted during the presentation. Beyond fighting fires, the 76 uniformed personnel of the department also respond to motor vehicle accidents, act as Cayuga County’s Hazmat team, provide technical rescues, and conduct fire prevention initiatives.
Auburn Police Chief Jim Slayton presented the department’s proposed budget before Council last week. The department’s $9.1 million budget would see the department purchase seven new vehicles.
Next week, the council will hear budget preparations from the Department of Planning & Economic Development and Code Enforcement and Auburn City Ambulance. City Manager Jeff Dygert will also present the first draft of the entire city budget.
You can view the full budget on the city’s website.
