During a recent Venice City Council budget workshop, the urgent need for six new positions in the Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department took center stage. Assistant Chief Kyle Hartley emphasized that these positions are not a luxury but a necessity to maintain service standards as the city continues to grow. With a projected increase in call volume due to population growth, the department is struggling to keep up with demand.

Currently, the Venice Fire Department operates with limited resources, often relying on mutual aid from Sarasota County to cover calls when they cannot respond in time. Hartley explained that the requested six positions would allow the department to staff a full-time, 24/7 ambulance, which is crucial for maintaining response times. He noted that the city has already seen a significant increase in EMS calls, with over 9,000 calls recorded in 2024, and they are on track to surpass that number this year.

The council members expressed their support for the request, highlighting the importance of timely emergency response, especially in critical situations like heart attacks. Vice Mayor and other council members pointed out that the additional personnel would not only improve response times but also alleviate the burden on current staff, reducing the need for overtime.

City Manager also addressed the financial implications, noting that while the estimated cost for the six positions is around $780,000, the potential revenue generated from increased transport fees could offset some of these costs. The council is weighing the budgetary constraints against the pressing need for enhanced public safety services.

As the city continues to grow, the council's decision on this matter will be pivotal in shaping the future of emergency services in Venice, ensuring that they can meet the demands of their community effectively. The discussion will continue as the council works towards finalizing the budget, with public safety remaining a top priority.