Kodiak fire chief calls volunteer staffing a 'critical point,' seeks borough talks

The Kodiak Island Borough Fire Protection Area No. 1 Board voted unanimously at its May 26 regular meeting to direct Fire Chief Scott Ellis to develop a new firefighter position, working alongside borough staff to define the role.

Ellis told the board that "the need for staffing was at a critical point" and that "challenges from all fire protection entities to maintain staff continue creating operational strain." He plans to bring the problem to top administrators of both the City of Kodiak and the Kodiak Island Borough. The fire area operates on an $849,500 fiscal year 2026 budget, and the staffing pressure is one of several strains the department is managing at once.

The discussion before the vote covered three employment-package options for a prospective hire: a part-time temporary, a full-time temporary, and a full-employee part-time arrangement. Ellis said he would prefer having an actual firefighter fill the clerical role but indicated he was willing to accept any option to relieve the department's needs. Vice-Chair John Parker noted the board would likely face union complications in placing the new position on the pay scale. The motion directed Ellis to develop the position with Kodiak Island Borough staff.

The department budgeted $90,000 for volunteer stipends this fiscal year and spent $91,629, finishing slightly over budget. On the revenue side, the department had collected roughly $978,000 through late June, exceeding its adopted budget by about $129,000.

The staffing shortage is compounded by an equipment setback. Ellis reported that no proposals were received for a planned purchase of two pickup trucks, meaning that purchase will not be completed before the end of fiscal year 2026. The board's next meeting was set for June 30, 2026.