Phoenix Fire Department urges budget increase to improve emergency response times

The Phoenix City Council held a budget hearing on April 5, 2025, focusing on the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year and the critical issue of public safety. City officials expressed gratitude for the commitment to maintaining a safe community, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing public safety in light of recent challenges.

A significant topic of discussion was the impact of recent Arizona legislation that resulted in substantial cuts to the city's revenue, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. To address this financial shortfall, the council proposed increasing the transaction privilege tax from 2.3% to 2.8%. This adjustment aims to replace lost revenue and ensure that essential services, particularly from the fire department, can continue effectively.

The meeting highlighted the growing demands on the Phoenix Fire Department, which has faced a loss of personnel over the past 15 years while the city's population has surged by over 300,000 residents. This population increase has led to a 54% rise in emergency calls, resulting in longer response times. The national standard for emergency response is five minutes, but in Phoenix, the average has escalated to nearly nine minutes, raising concerns about public safety.

City officials underscored the urgency of improving these response times, noting that each member of the fire department is dedicated to responding to emergencies as quickly as possible. The proposed budget aims to enhance resources for the fire department to better prepare for and manage the increasing volume of emergency calls.

In conclusion, the budget hearing underscored the city's commitment to public safety amid financial challenges and growing community needs. The council's proposed measures aim to ensure that the Phoenix Fire Department can effectively serve its residents and respond to emergencies in a timely manner.