Minutes 06-09-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

based on conversations with staff that the two ambulances that have to be replaced because of accidents were brought about by people who were either untrained or over-worked. He said that there is excessive turnover at Emergency Services. He said that any organization that exceeds 50% turnover in one year has to have problems. Because of the turnover, there is excessive overtime, which drives up costs. He said that the resignation of the Fire Marshal was due to conflict between the individuals and this position has not been filled. This makes the firefighters'job more dangerous. He made reference to the 800 MHz radios and said that these do not do the full job and they have to keep their old radios. He said that the volunteers cannot talk on these new radios because the system does not work properly. He asked the County Commissioners to please get this fixed. Commissioner Jacobs asked about the ISO rating and Bill Waddell said that it was a 9- e and he hopes to get it down to a 7. Commissioner Yuhasz asked what the district does in the way of outreach to their constituents. Bill Waddell said that they have different outreach programs throughout the year and they advertise in papers, a message board in front of the station, and flyers. They have talked about using County resources for email, but those opportunities have not become available yet. Commissioner Yuhasz said that the County needs to provide resources to all departments to assist them in their outreach. Tommy Holmes said that he attends a lot of homeowners' association meetings, when he is requested to attend, and he meets a lot of people. Commissioner Jacobs suggested putting notices of quasi-governmental meetings on the County website. Orange Rural: This information is also on page 20-4. Those present were Fire Chief Jeff Cabe, President Jeff Roberts, and Vice-President Matt Heinz. Paul Laughton said that there was a one-cent tax increase that was approved for this district for 2010-11 only for the construction of fire station #3. In discussing the budget, the Board of Directors mentioned that they were having a difficult time going back to the 5.36 cents. The district has requested a '/4-cent increase to go to 5.61 cents for 2011-12. The district also requested an amount from the available fund balance of $60,000. This is included in the Manager's Recommended Budget. Jeff Cabe said that they saw a double increase in their worker's comp this year and the health insurance premiums also increased. The diesel fuel expenditures also increased. Based on all of this, there was a shortfall in the budget. The ISO rating is class 6. He said that there is a salary adjustment in their budget. Last year they phased in a $2,000 increase and this year they are doing the same. Market studies have shown that this department is $7,000 in pay for its employees. He said that it takes a lot to train a firefighter, EMT and paramedic. The district has been short staffed since January because of vacancies created by people leaving to go to higher paying departments. This is the reason for the salary increases. Commissioner Yuhasz asked what kind of public outreach Orange Rural provides to their constituents. Jeff Cabe said that all of the board members are citizens of the district and they talk with residents to try and drum up interest. The typical annual meeting brings in about 60-70 people. White Cross: