Cibolo city officials and members of the Cibolo Volunteer Fire Department have in the past few years increased talks about transitioning toward a paid, full-time municipal fire protection agency.

City Council and the volunteers now feel a paid, full-time fire chief is the logical first step in achieving that goal. Council on Sept. 11 approved adding money to the proposed fiscal year 2008 budget to pay a fire chief $32,500 for six months.

The additional $8,335 will be diverted from funds being allocated to the city’s fund balance, reducing that allocation to $128,753. The move boosts city funding for CVFD operations to $233,000, but removes $40,000 intended for a truck replacement.

While preparing the new budget, council members and city staff had a few discussions about having a paid fire chief, but felt they could address the topic later in the fiscal year. City leaders also have asked whether the volunteers would follow a city employee’s lead.

Seven volunteers effectively responded for the CVFD in succinct manner Sept. 11

“I ask you to include in the budget funding for a full-time fire chief. Once that person is hired, I will follow and support him,” Peter Creviston said. “This is just one way to grow the (VFD) the way it should grow.”

Robert Gardner said Cibolo’s rapid growth - and that of the volunteer group - means it is only a matter of time before a paid city department becomes a reality. Firefighters added that seeking out a paid chief now is a higher priority than the vehicle replacement.

“We’re growing. We desperately want and need a professional chief and his direction,” he added, citing figures. CVFD had responded to less than 200 service calls 20 years ago. The group is on track to answer 800 such calls by this year’s end.

“I will work for a full-time, paid chief, no matter who it is,” said assistant chief Kirk Timke. The 51-year-old, 19-member volunteer group has had only three chiefs: Alwin Lieck, Edward Higginson Jr. and Roger Niemietz.

Council must still act to officially create the fire chief’s position. Council members such as Bob Hicks suggested the city work together with the CVFD board of directors to craft a memorandum of understanding. The volunteers have pledged to also work with the city on crafting a job description.