Agenda - 05-14-1996 - IX-B - Laserfiche WebLink

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9 ORGANIZATION After review of the issues involved with full-time needs, it became apparent that the organizational structure would require some investigation. A representative of the department of insur- ance suggested we contact the City of Dunn, North Carolina a community with a population of 8,631 near I-95. Dunn has recently went from an all volunteer fire department to a volunteer department with a paid chief, mechanic, and fire inspector. Dunn provides fire protection to the town and Averas- boro fire district through a contract with the district (see attached agreement) . The main reason they went to the paid staff was to improve their fire rating (their ISO rating went from 7 to 5) . They also felt that because the combined town and fire dis- trict budget exceeded $200,000. , the administration of the de- partment with volunteers became too complicated. They too had a need for full time fire protection staff for coverage. The agreement between the city and the district provides for the city to provide fire protection services to the district. The costs for this service is based on the "pro rata share. . . , based on the ad valorem tax base in comparison to the city's ad valorem tax base". In other words, fire protection is provided to the city and Averasboro district based upon the combined assessed valuations and a budget to provide fire protection to both entities. For all major capital expenditures, it was agreed that the city and the Averasboro district would share 50/50 on all costs. SUMMARY When the Orange rural district and Town of Hillsborough decide to hire full-time fire fighters to provide fire protection to the town and rural district, it would appear an arrangement similar to the Dunn and Averasboro agreement would prove to be the most simplistic approach. The agreement allows for a straightforward yet flexible approach to personnel and financial reporting issues. The two boards, and fireman's association would also have to consider how a full time fireman could be supervised by a volunteer chief. Also, it would become problem- atic for a firefighter to receive state retirement benefits without being a full time town employee. Regardless of whatever is done, everyone involved needs to agree that the future of fire protection for both entities should continue to be in the cooperative spirit that has existed over the past several decades. This includes the continued existence of a fire service that relies on a professional volunteer force. Recoimendation: Receive this report as information only. The Manager and Chief recommend that the two Boards hold a joint meeting to discuss this report and any further action.