Public safety is the local government’s first responsibility. In a growing city like Maricopa, meeting that responsibility requires continued investment. We need enough police officers and firefighters, along with the equipment, stations, training, and support they need to do their jobs.
Our FY 2026-27 budget directs more than half of our operating resources to public safety, including its share of fleet, IT, and other support services. 48% covers direct public safety spending, the largest departmental share, not including public safety costs for fleet, IT and more. In the 2026/2027 budget year, more than 75% of approved new staffing requests were for police and fire.
This year’s budget adds $1,382,145 for 12 additional firefighters. Many will help staff our new city-operated ambulance service. We are also purchasing four ambulances.
For police, we have added $714,857 for six additional officers, $375,568 for two additional lieutenants, and $43,060 for a part-time dispatcher in this year’s budget alone.
Of approximately $6.53 million in requested general fund increases, $3.58 million is for fire and $1.32 million is for police. Together, that is nearly $4.9 million, or about 74% of the requested increase, going directly to those two departments. Much of the overall general fund increase funds substantial pay raises for existing employees. Those raises are included in these totals.
Firefighters received an average 11.70% increase in FY 2026. Firefighters below the top of their pay scale receive an 8.41% increase in FY 2027. We believe competitive pay helps us recruit and retain qualified staff.
What we have discussed so far does not capture every dollar supporting public safety. Other general fund requests this year include $667,691 for public works, with more than $200,000 for additional fleet technicians, administrative personnel, and senior technicians. Most of our fleet techs serve public safety, because keeping emergency vehicles maintained and available is essential to protecting our community.
IT requested an increase of $231,391, some of which supports police and fire. These support costs are part of the same general fund increase, and they help our first responders do their work.
The ambulance purchase supports launching a new city-operated ambulance service. Maricopa Fire/Medical already responds to medical emergencies and treats patients. This new service will allow our department to transport patients to the hospital in its own ambulances. The city is targeting early 2027 for the first phase of operations. Our goal is greater local control and better continuity of care from the emergency scene to the hospital. This requires investment in vehicles, trained personnel and ongoing operational support.
Funding must be paired with an honest assessment of results. Maricopa’s 2025 crime reporting showed total crime and crime per capita each declining about 2%. Residents deserve information, including the areas where we need to improve.
We also need to listen when local fire representatives raise concerns about staffing, infrastructure, and future demand. Adding resources this year does not mean we have met every need. We should use call volumes and response data to plan staffing and facilities before growth overwhelms them.
My Support
During budget discussions, I have supported directing new positions toward police and fire. I have supported pay increases, adding benefits and protections.
I also believe transportation belongs in the public safety conversation. Congestion and limited access can delay emergency responses. Better road design, alternate routes, signal improvements, and overpasses help our first responders reach people who need assistance.
Supporting public safety requires year-round decisions about staffing, competitive pay, equipment, facilities, and oversight. As a councilmember, my responsibility is to help fund those needs, ask questions about results, and ensure we plan responsibly for growth.
Maricopa has made significant investments, and I have supported them. I will continue pushing for the people and resources our police and fire departments need, while being honest with residents about the work that remains.
Vincent Manfredi owns InMaricopa and this is a letter written to the editor. You can view other opinions and letters here.
![Gregory Picard. [Pinal County Sheriff's Office]](https://inmaricopa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/20260924-pcso-gregory-picard-arrest-300x170.jpg)
