Malcolm Moody of the county budget and policy team told the Committee of the Whole on May 5 that the total project cost for fire and EMS CIP projects across the FY26–31 plan is about $99.3 million, with a FY26 proposed CIP allocation of $7.4 million. He said OCS will manage new and major renovation projects for fire and EMS beginning in FY26.

Council members pressed the fire department on timing and coverage in growth areas off Route 301, including the Beech Tree community. "One of our concerns was really as we looked at our staffing plan... we realized that we had a shortage of staff," the Fire Chief said, explaining that planners prioritized station construction timing to allow time to build staffing capacity before opening new stations. "So while I do understand the growth in that area... currently our stations that are surrounding that area are fully staffed and able to cover it," the chief said.

Council members asked which existing stations respond to incidents in the corridor; the chief cited Station 23 in Forestville, Station 20 near the courthouse, and Station 43 near the intersection by the Wawa. He said the county will continue planning for a new station in the area and that the public safety plan contains a placeholder station for future construction and staffing.

Council members also asked about ownership of a vacant station in Seat Pleasant previously discussed in past meetings. The Fire Chief and county staff confirmed Station 808 in Seat Pleasant is owned by the City of Seat Pleasant, and staff noted that the county often provides renovation and operating support for volunteer and city-owned stations. "We're making sure that we have these agreements with the city as well as the volunteer corporations so the county has some stake in the game," the chief said, adding the agreements help preserve the option to repurpose properties for public safety use if needed.

Councilor Reardon asked about a $270,000 Kentland basement project; a department presenter said the county expects a permit to be finalized with DPW/DPAN this week and that a purchase order is in place to begin work as soon as the permit is issued.

Malcolm Moody closed the department portion of the presentation with a reminder that full project descriptions and schedules are in the CIP proposed budget book. No formal council votes were taken on fire and EMS items during the session.