The Canandaigua City Council voted 6-1 this week to approve a resolution creating an additional firefighter position to help address staffing shortages and rising overtime costs.
Councilmember Doug Merrill, who introduced the resolution, cited a 2018 public health report recommending that four firefighters be on duty at all times. He noted that while the city budgeted $160,000 for overtime in 2024, spending has already surpassed $200,000 with more than three months left in the year.
The new position is intended to improve coverage, reduce overtime costs, and ensure that the city can meet staffing requirements for public safety.
