Agenda - 04-21-2003-4 - Laserfiche WebLink

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b. Transition Planning -EMS Transport Component 2 Historically, the Rescue Squad has relied on a large number of volunteers in carrying out its operations. As with many public safety agencies that have historically relied on volunteers, the Squad has in recent years experienced a decline in the number of volunteers it is able to recruit and retain. To that end, it has been necessary for the Squad to hire full and part-time staff to provide EMS transportation services under its contract with the County. This situation, along with other increases in operational line items, has led to increased expenditures for the Squad. As a result, during the budget planning process last spring, the Squad requested an increase of $220,000 in its budget. The Squad wrote to the BOCC in November 2002 indicating that it would no longer be able to provide day-to-day coverage for the ambulance transportation component of the County EMS system. In December 2002, the BOCC approved an extension of the County's agreement with the Squad through the end of June 2003, with the understanding that County staff and Squad representatives would collaborate to develop a transition plan for the Squad to relinquish and the County to assume this function. Staff have prepared an update for the Board on planning conducted to date that would have the County assume the EMS transport function as of June 30, 2003. A further report on staffing and financial impacts is expected to be provided to the BOCC by mid-May, so that necessary administrative and personnel decisions can be made to effect a smooth transition and change in service delivery for Orange County EMS clients. Attachment 4D - 11/12/02 Rescue Squad Letter Attachment 4E - 4/17/03 Staff Progress Report c. Public Education/Outreach on Need for Solid Waste Alternative Financing During work sessions in January and February 2003 regarding the need for and options to provide alternative revenue sources for the County's solid waste enterprise fund, the BOCC emphasized the need to educate citizens about why alternative revenue sources are needed and the common misconception that recycling services are "free". Staff have prepared a report on efforts to date and those planned to help citizens understand the costs involved with the County's award-winning recycling programs and the financial underpinnings of the solid waste system. Staff have also prepared a memo that responds to several Commissioner inquiries raised during the solid waste segments of those work sessions. Attachment 4F - 4/15/03 Solid Waste Management Director Memo Attachment 4G - 4/16/03 Solid Waste Management Director Memo d. FY 2002-03 Hiring Freeze Update In response to Commissioner inquiries, staff have prepared a report on the number, types, and categories of positions that have been reviewed during administration of the hiring freeze policy that was implemented as part of the County's FY 2002-03 operating budget. Attachment 4H - 4/15/03 Personnel Director Memo FINANCIAL IMPACT: As noted in various attachments.