The Brooksville City Council Workshop Meeting held on June 23, 2025, focused on critical issues surrounding the local fire department, particularly recruitment, retention, and public safety enhancements.

The meeting began with a discussion led by a fire department representative who highlighted the ongoing challenges of attracting and keeping firefighters. Key factors contributing to these issues include competitive compensation, burnout rates, and job security concerns. The representative emphasized that many firefighters are drawn to positions that offer better pay and benefits, which has led to increased overtime costs for the city due to understaffing.

The council was informed about the current cohabitation agreement with Hernando County, which allows the county to provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) services from the city’s fire station until February 1933. While this partnership is beneficial, the representative stressed the importance of the city maintaining control over its fire services to ensure financial management and prioritize local needs over county demands.

A strategic plan was proposed to enhance the fire department's capabilities, focusing on proactive measures rather than reactive responses. The representative urged the council to invest in the fire department, citing its long-standing history and potential to deliver high-quality services to the community. The discussion concluded with a call for leadership support to foster growth and improvement within the department, reinforcing that public safety is an invaluable investment for the city.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for the city to address staffing and resource challenges within the fire department to ensure effective public safety and community well-being.