Baldwin City is going to get its first full-time, paid fire chief.

The Baldwin City Council, concluding a month of discussion, this week agreed to create the position, which will carry a salary that is capped at $40,000 a year.

The Baldwin City Volunteer Fire Department has always elected its own chief and for decades that’s been Allen Craig. However, that will change when the chief is appointed by the mayor and approved by the council to lead the volunteers.

Craig has declined to comment on the situation.