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8 <br /> All radio communications and calls for assistance are coor- <br /> dinated through the Orange County communications center. This <br /> twenty four hours a day, seven days a week operation also coordi- <br /> nates all major disaster relief efforts and hazardous materials <br /> response calls. The Orange County Fire Marshall's office is <br /> responsible for conducting investigations for all major fires. <br /> FULL TIME FIREMAN SCENARIOS <br /> Discussions thus far have focused on providing full-time <br /> firefighter coverage during the day (8AM-5PM) . The fireman would <br /> report to the elected volunteer Chief, who in turn reports to the <br /> Town Manager and Orange Rural District Board respectively. <br /> Payroll, benefit and other administrative services would be <br /> provided by the town. The firefighter would be afforded benefits <br /> in accordance with the town's benefits package. <br /> The town has an interest in exploring the possibility of <br /> hiring firefighters that could also provide for the state mandat- <br /> ed inspections. It would seem that the rural board would like to <br /> hire a firefighter capable of maintaining suppression vehicles <br /> and equipment. <br /> Based upon the above conclusions, and the towns 1994 step <br /> and grade system, the following are estimated costs for mechanic <br /> and inspector grade positions. <br /> Step/Grade Salary and Benefits <br /> Firefighter (level II) 16-1 $26,221+25%=$32,776.25 <br /> Fleet Mechanic 9-1 $18,557+25%=$23,196.25 <br /> TOTAL WITH TWO PERSONNEL-- $55,972.50 <br /> If the boards were to agree to provide for an additional <br /> firefighter (level I) the following additional cost would result. <br /> Firefighter (level I) 11-1 $20,484+25%=$25,605.00 <br /> TOTAL WITH THREE PERSONNEL-- $81,577.50 <br /> The previous cost estimates relate only to salary and bene- <br /> fits. The estimated 25% benefit ratio is based on the town's <br /> current package which includes single health care and dental <br /> coverage, state retirement, 401R, and life insurance equal to the <br /> individuals annual salary. There would be other costs for full <br /> time personnel such as uniforms and workman's compensation that <br /> would have to be a part of the budget. An evaluation of those <br /> true costs would require further analysis and discussion by the <br /> two boards. <br />