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5 <br /> E W^iTaVgjS <br /> It WHITE CROSS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT <br /> To: Kirk Vaughn, Budget Director, Finance and Administrative Services <br /> From: Jamal Phillip Nasseri, Fire Chief,White Cross Fire Department <br /> Tony Blake, Board President, White Cross Fire Department <br /> Date: March 31, 2025 <br /> Subject: Budget Request for White Cross Volunteer Program (2025-2026) <br /> Dear Mr.Vaughn, <br /> The formal budget request for the White Cross volunteer program for the fiscal years 2025 and 2026 is <br /> as follows.The department is seeking a 3.7-cent tax increase, bringing the proposed tax rate to 14.00 <br /> cents,with a total budget request of$1,047,900 <br /> The additional funding of$277,121.00 is essential for several key initiatives: <br /> 1. Replacement Fire Engine: $100,000 is earmarked for the acquisition of a new fire engine. We initially <br /> anticipated support through a USDA program offering low-interest loans; however, due to a government <br /> freeze on this program, we are now required to pursue conventional financing methods.This is the <br /> yearly payment required. <br /> 2. Personnel Costs: We are facing significant challenges in retaining qualified paid members due to the <br /> demand for competitive wages.To address this,$150,000 of our request will be allocated to meet <br /> unbudgeted salary needs and to implement a livable wage of$20-$22 an hour dependent on <br /> qualifications.This need is supported by data from our annual audits,which highlight the upward trend <br /> in salary expenses. <br /> 3. Operational Costs:The remaining funds will be directed towards rising costs associated with <br /> insurance, utilities, portable equipment replacement, and vehicle maintenance.Our recent inflation <br /> study, conducted over the past four years, has indicated price increases of approximately 42%to 50% in <br /> these critical areas. <br /> We appreciate your consideration of this request, and the support provided to our department in <br /> ensuring that we can continue to serve our community effectively. <br /> B t regards, <br /> r <br /> Tony Blake <br /> Board President, White Cross Vol. Fire Department <br /> 5722 Old Greensboro HWY Chapel Hill, NC 27516 <br /> Phone: (919)942-1194 Fax: (919)942-9733 <br /> Operations@wcfire.net <br />