Agenda - 01-16-1999- 3 - Laserfiche WebLink

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290,000. Seven years ago, we purchased a tanker for about $ 90,000. To replace that today would cost about $ 180,000. This shows above normal inflationary increase for a 10 -year period at 5% annual inflation, however the average inflation rate during this period was below 5%. So, with both pieces of equipment we see a cost increase that is higher than simple inflation. We have notices this with other equipment we must purchase. So the first point I would like to call to the commissioners attention is that fire departments attempting to maintain (not even improve) their resources are seeing cost rise faster than the cost of inflation and the property assessments that generate their operating revenue. In the case of Efland, if the goal is to have at least an engine, tanker, and brush truck that are newer than 20 years old we will need to spend in the next 10 years about $550,000. This is almost 7 years of our budget at the current levels. In an age where many items get cheaper, the cost of firefighting is increasing even when inflation is factored in. We don't have a specific action to recommend, but feel that the Commissioners should be aware of this incipient problem. The only action Efland can take to reduce the impact of the spiraling cost of firefighting is to obtain a better ISO/Insurance rating. This lowers the cost of homeowner insurance for citizens in our district. We have been working on this for about three years. Other departments are also facing these same rising cost, and could help offset the impact by working on a better rating. Obtaining a better rating involves a mix of having the correct equipment, the documentation to show a departments state of readiness, and a variety of information about other departments and the county. Obtaining a better insurance rating means that the quality of service delivered goes up while the cost of homeowner insurance for the taxpayer goes down. While a better rating can not completely compensate for the increasing cost of fire protection, it demonstrates a philosophy of quality and efficiency many would claim are missing from governmental agencies today. When the position of county Fire Marshal was established, the departments were told that one of the duties of the position was to assist fire departments in obtaining a better insurance rating. We value the assistance of the Fire Marshal. He is always of assistance on the fireground and puts in long hours far beyond what most people in his position would tolerate. We do not have a suggestion as to how Orange County Emergency Management can better help all departments to obtain a better rating as promised. Since we do not having a detailed knowledge of how Emergency management is run it would be out of place for us to suggest any options. We would. appreciate the commissioners working with Emergency Management to develop a plan and allocate the resources to tackle this job. This solves a real problem, puts value and efficiency into all of the county's emergency services,- and avoids waste and duplication of effort. Part of the documentation required to obtain a better insurance rating is to provide accurate maps of one's fire district, showing water points and hydrants. The Land Records office does not have the resources to gather and enter this 7