Minutes 06-10-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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and he said Attachment A includes the requests from fire districts, as well as the current and requested tax rates. He noted that the fund balance amount is listed for each district, as of June 30, 2013. Paul Laughton said two districts, New Hope Fire and White Cross, are requesting tax increases. He said Attachment B provides a historical look at the fire district tax rates. Commissioner porosin arrived at 7:10 p.m. Paul Laughton said New Hope Fire District, outlined on page 302, has requested an increase of 50 cents, going from 9.45 cents to 9.95 cents per $100 assessed valuation. He said this increase will generate an additional $28,297 in revenue for the district. He noted that this additional money is needed to cover operational cost increases for professional services, increased personnel related expenses, needed maintenance for both fire stations, increased costs for vehicle maintenance, and the addition of money to capital reserves for future needs. Paul Laughton introduced New Hope Fire Department President Howard Pratt and Fire Chief Mike Tapp, to answer clarifying questions from the Board. Paul Laughton said much of the personnel increase is needed to right size the salaries for the fire captains. He said there are also equipment repairs that are past due. Chief Mike Tapp agreed with the needs mentioned above, and he said there was also a need to put money aside for benefit payout in the event of employee turnover. He said the district has also applied for a federal government Firefighter's Assistance Grant for $490,000 for a new truck. He said this is still in the consideration phase, and there are two trucks that need to be replaced. He said there are also facility repairs and renovations that need to be addressed at the stations. Commissioner Gordon asked if the needs at New Hope are just normal growth. Mike Tapp said this has more to do with the age factor than growth. He said the equipment is in good shape, but the cost of buying a fire truck is increasing, and it is time to start holding money so that it is available when the time comes to buy a truck. Commissioner porosin asked if the district is just asking for what is already in the manager's recommended budget. Mike Tapp said yes. Paul Laughton said White Cross Fire Department, shown on page 303 of the binder, is requesting an increase of 2.20 cents, going from 8.80 cents to 11.00 cents per $100 assessed valuation. He said this increase will generate an additional $81,371 in revenue for the district. He said this is necessary to add 2,080 hours of paid staff coverage; complete outfitting of a service company truck; increase advanced technical rescue training opportunities; cover increased costs of maintenance and replacement of equipment (radios, self-contained breathing apparatus, turnout gear, and fire hoses); cover the increase in costs for the main station renovation and expansion project; and to allow the rebuilding of their capital reserves. Paul Laughton introduced White Cross Fire Department President Tony Blake, and Chief Phillip Nassari, who answered clarifying questions from the Board. Tony Blake said this increase is primarily needed to take on the additional duties of the newly signed contract. He said there have also been problems with retention of volunteers, so paid staff is being increased. Phillip Nassari said the department is in a time of transition to modernize and increase equipment and techniques, and they have also added a station to increase the service area. He said this has depleted reserves, and the goal is to find a budget to sustain them forr the next 5 years without a requested increase.