Martin County officials have canceled a planned recruitment class of about 25 new firefighters, a decision the Martin County Firefighters Union says could make existing staffing shortages worse. The union announced the cancellation in a recent social media post.
County officials said the move is tied to budget challenges created by the expansion of the homestead property tax exemption under Amendment 3, the measure voters approved to expand that exemption.
According to the union, Martin County Fire Rescue is already 17 firefighters short. Union leaders warn that the number could climb to 25 vacancies by January if the county does not fill open positions.
The union is urging county commissioners and other county leaders to reconsider the hiring freeze, arguing that adequate staffing is necessary to keep emergency response services running for residents. County officials have not said whether the class could be reinstated.
