Concerns over staffing levels and budget allocations dominated the Fall River City Council meeting on May 29, 2025, as council members expressed frustration over the lack of a comprehensive staffing plan for the fire department. The discussion highlighted the urgent need for a strategic approach to address the city's public safety staffing challenges.

Council members pointed out that the current staffing levels fall short of the recommended 200 firefighters, with estimates suggesting only 170 to 182 personnel are available. This discrepancy raises significant concerns about the city's ability to provide adequate emergency services. One councilor emphasized, “The bigger question is why aren't we properly staffing the fire department?” underscoring the critical nature of the issue.

The conversation also touched on the SAFER grant, which is intended to support firefighter hiring and training. However, council members cautioned that without a clear budget to sustain these positions long-term, they would be hesitant to support any grant proposals. “If we don’t have money in the budget to budget for these grants, then I for one would not support a grant that came down before us to man it,” one councilor stated, advocating for a sustainable staffing plan instead.

Additionally, the council discussed the capital budget, revealing that nearly $1.3 million in capital requests for the fire department had been removed from the fiscal year 2026 budget. This raised questions about the city’s commitment to maintaining and upgrading essential equipment. Council members called for a clearer understanding of capital funding and a consistent replacement plan for vehicles and equipment, which they believe should be integrated into the operating budget.

The meeting concluded with a call for a detailed staffing and capital plan from the administration, as council members expressed their reluctance to approve the current budget without a commitment to address these pressing issues. The discussions reflect a growing urgency within the council to ensure that public safety is prioritized in the city’s financial planning.