The Marion County Board of County Commissioners convened on July 17, 2025, for the second day of its budget workshop, focusing on the financial planning for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting primarily addressed personnel costs, staffing needs, and training initiatives within the Marion County Fire Rescue and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

The session began with a review of combined overtime expenditures, highlighting a significant fluctuation over the past fiscal years. The data presented indicated that overtime spending has ranged from 109% to 220% of the budget, with the current year projected at approximately 131%. This analysis was crucial for understanding the financial pressures on the department.

Chief Grafel then provided insights into staffing strategies, emphasizing the importance of data-driven approaches to determine minimum staffing levels. He noted that the department utilizes industry best practices, including workload analysis and compliance benchmarks, to ensure operational efficiency. The current attrition rate for fire rescue staff stands at around 9%, with a relief factor of 1.25 adopted based on historical trends.

Following this, Chief Drew Rogers reported on training initiatives, revealing that the department has successfully onboarded 155 new personnel over the past 18 months. He announced a significant upcoming testing process that would result in 40 new hires joining the ranks on August 26. These recruits will undergo training at the Florida State Fire College, marking a new partnership aimed at enhancing training efficiency and reducing costs.

Additionally, Chief Rogers introduced a new first responder academy, which will certify high school students in fire training, further expanding the department's recruitment pipeline.

The meeting concluded with Chief Krueger discussing the EMS fund and unit hour utilization metrics. He reported that the department has managed to maintain unit hour utilization rates within recommended thresholds, ensuring reliability and reducing crew fatigue.

Overall, the workshop underscored the county's commitment to maintaining effective staffing and training programs while managing budgetary constraints. The discussions set the stage for continued improvements in service delivery and operational readiness within Marion County's emergency services.