Edmonton reducing deputy fire chiefs as part of budget plan
Posted June 28, 2023 4:22 pm.
The City of Edmonton is reducing the number of deputy fire chiefs in the city from five to three as part of a larger shake-up of management.
The move comes after council directed administration to find $60 million in spending cuts during budget talks.
“This team of leaders will ensure that beyond policy and financial matters, we are also actively considering environment and inclusion when we are making decisions about building our city,” said Andre Corbould, city manager, in a statement.
Corbould says there have been no changes to the number of front line staff, but two departments and their leadership — communications and employee services — are being dissolved.
“With strategic direction set by the City Plan, Council’s budget direction to reduce spending and focus on priorities, and Edmontonians’ requirements for core services, I am confident that these adjustments will equip us to accomplish the work at hand.”
This all comes after a recent report showed overtime pay increased by $10 million in 2022 for frontline jobs, excluding the police. An independent audit found employee services wasn’t doing enough to monitor staff absence or overtime, and recomended more supports.
Employee services and communications will be incorporated into the office of the City Manager.
