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8 <br /> with next steps to advance a study. The new Director began work on April 21, <br /> 2008. <br /> May 2008 <br /> During budget discussions with the new Emergency Services Director for FY08- <br /> 09, the BOCC reaffirmed interest and commitment to a study reflective of the <br /> rural fire department needs and staffing requirements for the office of Fire <br /> Marshall. The FY08-09 budget makes available funding in the amount of <br /> $50,000 for a new study. <br /> October 2008 <br /> The Emergency Services Director, in response to a request at a work session on <br /> September 9, 2008, provided the BOCC a proposed timeline for re-entering a <br /> Fire Rescue Study. <br /> November 2008 <br /> County staff facilitated a Fire Chiefs Council discussion of re-entering a Fire <br /> Rescue Study, tabulated collective concerns, and received appointments to a <br /> "steering committee" for moving ahead. (Attachment E is a summary of the <br /> discussion point from the Council meeting.) <br /> December 2008 <br /> BOCC received a report regarding the recommended 2009-19 County CIP on <br /> December 1, 2008. One of the decision points carried forward to December 11, <br /> 2008 was "whether to appropriate $1.2 million in Emergency Service Reserve for <br /> Emergency Services needs or to retain monies in reserve pending outcome of <br /> upcoming Fire and Rescue Study." The BOCC has not yet taken action on the <br /> proposed 10 year CIP. <br /> The $1.2 million represents unrestricted E-911 funds that can be used for any <br /> purpose. Emergency Services, undergoing reorganization and modernization <br /> under the new Director, has immediate need for additional capital equipment and <br /> facility improvements as the chief coordinating department in the County, <br /> exclusive of system improvements certain to be identified in a new Fire Rescue <br /> study. (Attachment F is a copy of the proposed plan for utilizing the <br /> Emergency Services Reserve.) <br /> March 2009 <br /> BOCC agenda for March 3 includes recommendation to proceed with Phase <br /> One: Assessment of the Fire/Rescue Services System Study in Orange County <br /> under an informal solicitation for professional technical services. The phased <br /> approach proposed and the process for selecting a research-based technical <br /> organization to conduct the assessment has been reviewed and vetted by the <br /> chosen representatives of the Fire Chiefs Council. <br /> 4 <br />