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6 <br /> want to go, and should complement the county's comprehensive <br /> planning". (p 5) <br /> June 2005 <br /> BOCC adopted the FY06-07 budget that included an appropriation of $25,000 to <br /> initiate the fire and rescue service study. At the time, it was difficult to estimate <br /> accurately the true cost, but Emergency Management had experience with a <br /> similar study conducted in New Hanover County in the amount of $25,000, and if <br /> necessary, County management would recommend additional funding in FY06- <br /> 07 if the amount were found to be inadequate. (Attachment B is a copy of the <br /> Memorandum to the BOCC re: Suggested Approach to Initiating <br /> Fire/Rescue Service Study from the budget work session.) <br /> November 2005 <br /> BOCC reviewed and approved a scope of service for a Fire, Emergency Medical <br /> Services (EMS), and Rescue Assessment Plan for Orange County. The scope of <br /> service included evaluation of existing and planned fire stations, EMS facilities, <br /> rescue squads; location and adequacy of facilities, including volunteers and <br /> equipment,; identification of strategies for improving efficiencies, reducing costs, <br /> and overall operational issues in the volunteer fire departments (i.e., fire <br /> insurance ratings, paperwork, administration), and recommendation of a plan "to <br /> meet the needs of the County and its citizens giving consideration to overall cost <br /> benefits and best practices". <br /> January 2006 <br /> BOCC awarded a contract to The Sage Group in the amount of$25,000. <br /> May 2006 <br /> The Manager's Recommended Budget for FY06-07 included Reserve Funding in <br /> the amount of$100,000 for a Fire and Rescue Study Outcome. <br /> June 2006 <br /> The Sage Group provided an assessment list of preliminary recommendations to <br /> the BOCC in early June 2006. These recommendations were found lacking, <br /> falling short of expectations in depth and timing — a sentiment shared by the <br /> BOCC, County management, Emergency Services, and Fire Chiefs Council. The <br /> adopted budget for FY06-07 included the Reserve Funding in the amount of <br /> $100,000. <br /> August 2006 <br /> The Sage Group submitted a revised working draft report to the County in mid- <br /> August 2006. <br /> December 2006—January 2007 <br /> The Sage Group submitted a final working draft to the new County Manager in <br /> mid-December 2006. The document was circulated among stakeholders for <br /> 2 <br />