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5 <br /> minimize unnecessary duplication and provide a more economical approach <br /> to providing rescue equipment needed for less common rescue calls. As <br /> an example, staff will explore the possibility of storing and <br /> transporting hydraulic extrication equipment on a County vehicle which <br /> could be carried to an accident scene for use by trained rescuers from <br /> a volunteer fire department. <br /> We need to discuss rescue service financing further with the rescue <br /> squads, but we feel there is general agreement now that we should not <br /> pursue rescue service district taxes, since the planned focus is now on <br /> Countywide rescue service provision. One option we will explore <br /> carefully is that of appropriating funds annually through the operating <br /> budget or CIP of the Department of Emergency Management to address <br /> well-documented equipment or training needs to enhance Countywide <br /> rescue service provision. In the short term, we expect that the rescue <br /> squads will soon present a list of the most pressing rescue equipment <br /> needs. Both squads will be applying to the State for 1995 grant funds <br /> to cover some of those equipment needs. We recommend that the County <br /> review its sales tax revenue picture and at a future Commissioners' <br /> meeting, consider trying to provide matching funds for any State grant <br /> money received for recognized equipment needs. In the longer term, we <br /> expect to work with the rescue squads to develop a multi-year plan for <br /> equipment and training needs that the County would review and consider <br /> during the annual operating and capital budget processes. <br /> We will be happy to respond to your questions and perform any <br /> additional research that you may find helpful. <br />