Youngstown City Council is working to iron out 2025 budgets in various departments. Tuesday's focus involved the city's Parks and Rec. Department along with the Youngstown Fire Department.

The Parks and Rec. Department working on how to be cost-effective with park upgrades and maintenance. Eyes are on continued upgrades to the Henry Stambaugh Golf Course, as it saw its highest boom in memberships just last year. The city plans to put $303k towards zero-turn mowers, sprayers, and 20 additional golf carts.

Director of Parks and Rec. Clemate Franklin told 21 News the department plans to focus on McKelvey Lake upgrades in the months ahead.

The fire department's budget was also discussed Tuesday. Fire Chief Barry Finley said to the council overtime remains a concern.

"At the end of the day, I'll say it, we are plagued by call-offs," Finley said. "The union's contention was 'It's not called offs, we're short staffed,' so now I'm going to see what's going to happen."

The budgeted amount of overtime is sitting at $600k compared to 2024's $800k. Finley told the council more stations would be open with fewer call-offs. With six recent hires, Chief Finley said the department is fully staffed. He's looking to add a fourth inspector.

In 2023, the department spent $895,675 on overtime. Overtime spending was cut nearly in half in 2024, with the department spending $494,054.

"For a city our size, we really should have more inspectors," he said to the council. "They're the ones who keep us from having to go to commercial fires because they make sure that the laws are adhered to."

Finley told 21 News he is waiting on the EMS feasibility study results. He should know by the end of April whether adding an independent EMS service is possible.

Additionally, drastic renovations are planned for the fire station in Downtown Youngstown. The department is looking to construct a new turnout gear room along with adding designated women's restrooms.

The next Youngstown Council Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 5 at City Hall.