The Milton Fire Department has never had full-time employees, but that would change if the budget recommended by the joint fire commission is approved.
The proposed 2020 budget for the fire department operated by the city of Milton and town of Milton includes wages and benefits for three full-time paramedics and the option of retirement benefits for eligible employees.
If the funding is approved by the city and town, the new staffing model would go into effect Jan. 1.
The department started paramedic service Feb. 1, but Fire Chief Ernie Rhodes said 43 full or partial ambulance shifts were not staffed with paramedics through August.
“We struggle with staffing,” Rhodes said.