Maplewood Fire Department Seeks $11.8 Million in 2027, a 10 Percent Increase
Chief tells council that keeping SAFER grant firefighters on the payroll and soaring apparatus costs are driving the department's budget request.
Maplewood's fire chief asked the City Council on Monday to approve an $11.8 million budget for the Fire Department in 2027, a roughly 10 percent increase over the current year driven largely by salaries and benefits needed to keep firefighters hired under a federal SAFER grant.
The presentation, delivered at the Nov. 9 council meeting at Maplewood City Hall, outlined a department of 49.5 full-time equivalent positions and about $1.1 million in added personnel costs built into the 2027 request. The increase reflects the city's decision to sustain positions originally funded through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant program.
Apparatus costs nearly double
The chief told council members that equipment inflation has become one of the department's most difficult budget pressures, with the price of frontline apparatus climbing sharply over the past five years.
A fire engine that costs 7 or $800,000 five years ago now cost $1.3 million.
The figures underscore the challenge facing the city's apparatus replacement cycle, as rising vehicle costs compete with personnel expenses within the same departmental budget.
Whole blood program credited with saving lives
Among the department's 2026 accomplishments, the chief highlighted a whole blood program that allows responders to deliver transfusions in the field.
Something that we're extremely proud of is the whole blood program. That's directly related to three lives being saved in our community.
Other Topics from This Document
Election staff recognition and oath/roll call
Mayor Abrams thanked election staff (Andrea), judges working 15-hour days and a 47-day voting period, congratulating council members Lee and Juenemann on election results (D1).
Approval of agenda and minutes (Oct 26, 2026)
Agenda approved with added items on overnight parking and a potential council resolution. Oct 26 workshop and regular minutes approved with one abstention each (Cave) (D1).
Administrative presentations: upcoming meetings and events
City Manager Sabol previewed a lengthy Nov 23 meeting (Century Ave/MnDOT, climate mitigation plan, EV update, 2027 legislative program, budget presentations), a possible special EDA meeting, truth-in-taxation Dec 14, and a fixed-location Santa event Dec 19 (D1).
Overnight parking and snow removal enforcement
Council member Cave raised resident concerns about overnight parked cars impeding plows. Sabol cited ~4 narrow-street neighborhoods, plans for flyers, social media outreach, partnerships with churches/schools for lot parking, and tow truck shortages (D1).
Proposed resolution honoring Varland brothers
Mayor Abrams announced a resolution for MLB pitchers Louie Varland (Toronto Blue Jays, 2025 trade, first All-Star Game in July) and Gus Varland (Washington Nationals), Maplewood natives, to be presented Nov 23 (D1).
Consent agenda items G1–G6
Consent agenda items G1 through G6 approved unanimously; included firefighter wellness screening contract (D1).
2027 charitable gambling fund awards
23 applications sought ~$154,000; budget ~$60,000. Council approved $58,750 in awards to 10 organizations including 622 Education Foundation, Merrick Community Services, Salvation Army and Tubman (D1).
Joint Powers Agreement with Little Canada for boardwalk replacement
Council approved JPA for replacing the 2008 boardwalk linking Thunder Bay Trail and Lake Links Trail. Cost rose from ~$381k to ~$432k; Maplewood share $83,227; $250k DNR grant; completion by June 30 deadline (D1).
Want to know when new stories arrive?
Enter your email to receive updates.
We will not use your email for any other purpose. You can unsubscribe at any time.