The search is about to get underway for Lantzville’s new fire chief.
Lantzville district council unanimously agreed to recruit a paid part-time fire chief, a change for a community that’s previously relied on volunteerism.
The decision comes after fire chief Tom Whipps announced plans to retire from his post earlier this year and a subsequent department review that recommended the district transition from a volunteer chief position with an annual honorarium to a paid part-time position.
The status quo isn’t sustainable and the current honorarium of $18,000 a year isn’t enough to attract qualified candidates, the review showed.
It was anticipated the new fire chief position would increase the job’s annual budget to $55,000.
A recent council report shows a salary scale will be developed that reflects the fire department review and dollars will be drawn from general revenue.
The position will be posted within the organization and externally with the goal to hire the right person as quickly as possible, according to Lantzville’s chief administrative officer Brad McRae.