The Marion County Board of County Commissioners convened on July 17, 2025, for the second day of their budget workshop, focusing on the fire rescue department's staffing and budgetary needs. The meeting featured a detailed discussion led by Chief Graff regarding the proposed reclassification of certain fire rescue positions, specifically the transition of EMS captains to battalion chief roles.

Chief Graff explained that the current structure of the EMS high-performance units includes three captain positions that operate at a level comparable to battalion chiefs. These captains manage not only their stations but also oversee the staff associated with the high-performance units. The proposed reclassification aims to align their job descriptions with their actual responsibilities, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.

The discussion highlighted the need for a dedicated EMS battalion chief to manage operations within the city limits, allowing dual-certified battalion chiefs to focus on broader county responsibilities. Chief Graff noted that this change would help reduce overtime costs and improve resource allocation across the county's fire stations.

Commissioners expressed their concerns and sought clarification on the necessity of these changes. Chief Graff and his team provided insights into the evolution of the EMS leadership structure, emphasizing that the transition from EMS lieutenants to captains was a natural progression based on the qualifications of the personnel involved.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the budgetary needs for additional captain positions in future discussions, as the department continues to adapt to the growing demands of fire rescue services in Marion County. The fire budget discussion is set to continue, with further details available on page 37 of the budget document.