Minutes 06-10-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Tony Blake said this increase will bring their budget more in line with the other departments. There was a brief discussion of ISO ratings. Commissioner McKee asked if the Neville Road Fire Station addresses all of the homes. Tony Blake said yes, other than 32 in the western tip, which will be serviced by Orange Grove. Commissioner Gordon asked how they allocate paid staff versus volunteers. Phillip Nassari said paid staff typically works the Monday through Friday schedule. He said part time employees are used to fill full time positions. He said these employees also work elsewhere. He said this has been successful in lessening the burden of fringe benefits. He said if these two full time spots are approved, there are 5 or 6 part time people who will fill the hours. Commissioner Pelissier noted that there is a 5 year plan to add more staff, and she asked if that means there will be a tax increase request for additional staff. Phillip Nassari said he does not foresee them adding additional staff in the next 5 years unless there is a huge influx of calls. Commissioner Pelissier said in the future she would like to see all of the ISO ratings included in the narrative or chart. Paul Laughton said this was provided in the May 29th work session materials. Michael Talbert said this can be included in the budget book next year. Commissioner porosin asked if homeowners get a reduction in their homeowners insurance if their rating goes down. . Michael Talbert said yes, but it takes a while. He said the new station has to be in service, certified by the state fire Marshall's office, and then the area and the station have to be re-rated. Phillip Nassari said they have done district wide mailings with these notifications. Chair Jacobs asked if things are good with the payment in lieu with the UNC Animal Research Station. Phillip Nassari said they are being compensated the same. Chair Jacobs asked for the gap amount between what the research station would pay if they were a normal entity. Phillip Nassari said they are paying about one-tenth or one-eighth of what would be paid if they were a commercial property. Chair Jacobs said he notices that in 5 years their budget is almost doubled. Phillip Nassari said fleet size and staffing have been increased, and equipment has been modernized. He said a lot of this has been funded through grants, which has reduced the burden. He said this was all done to modernize techniques and standards. Commissioner Rich asked if all of the districts are applying for the same grants. Phillip Nassari said yes. Tony Blake said there is a provision that would allow multiple departments to apply for the same grant. Chair Jacobs said the subject of grants may be a good topic of conversation for their joint fire department meeting in the fall. 3. Outside Aqencies: Recommended Allocations FY2014-15, Pq. 369 Clarence Grier said the County received 52 applications, with requests totaling $1,497,252 this year, which was an increase of$438,152. He said 41 agencies were funded, totaling $1,074,100, a net increase of$15,000 above the current year's appropriation.