The Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District budget committee on May 16 unanimously approved a proposed 2023-24 budget reflecting an overall $513,862 increase over the previous year, one that saw a lot of changes, according to Fire Chief Nick Tyler.

In his budget message, Tyler reflected on that fiscal year, noting that the district hired one new full-time firefighter/paramedic position, which increased daily staffing to four full-time and two part-time employees, a total of six firefighters daily, the most staff on shift in the district's history.

Numerous equipment upgrades came, as well,...