May 20, 2009 Board Meeting
1. Call to order.
The Board meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call of the Board Members.
Board Members Present:
Dan Atkinson Gary Selig Rick Parker
Randy James
Board Members Absent:
William Dunlap Sr.
Rick Parker will be Chairman for the Meeting. Rick stated that this is an informal meeting. Let’s not be emotional and let’s discuss the issues. Rick stated that he will call on people as needed. Rick asked if there were any
questions and there were none
4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
a. Approval of the Minutes of April 10, 2009
There was a motion by Randy James to approve the minutes of the Joint Board Meeting of April 10, 2009. There was a second by Gary Selig and the vote in favor was unanimous.
b. Approval of the Minutes of April 15,2009
There was a motion by Randy James to approve the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of April 15, 2009. There was a second by Gary Selig and the vote in favor was unanimous.
c. Approval of the Executive Session Minutes of April 15, 2009
There was a motion by Randy James to approve the Executive Session Minutes of April 15, 2009. There was a second by Gary Selig and the vote in favor was unanimous. Correction noted
5. REPORTS
a. Financial Report
The Financial Reports were presented by Tina Dillahunty. Tina went over the reports. Tina stated that on the Out of District report you will see a new section that shows the Bear Jaw Module. This is because of the way we now
bill the fires that the Bear Jaw Module go on. Those billings are paid through Highlands Fire.
b. Administration Report
The Administration Report was given by Tina Dillahunty. Tina stated that she has been working on getting the budget packets together and the projections together. With the Fiscal Year End coming up we will be working on
getting the office ready for the new fiscal year and setting up new files. We had a young person come in this week who is interested in volunteering to help in the office.
c. Auxiliary Report
The Auxiliary along with the Flagstaff Firefighters Local 1505 are hosting a benefit Concert, Legends of Country Music, on June 13 at 7:30 at Sinagua High School. This is a fund-raiser and tickets are $15 in advance and $30 at
the door. You can get tickets from Peggy or the Firefighters.
The Auxiliary hopes to have Summer Swap Meets at Station 32 on the 4th Saturday of each month (June 27th, July 25th, August 22nd and September 26th) from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. We will be offering spaces for $10. This is
not necessarily a garage sale – we hope to have vendors and crafters but we will not exclude garage sale items. We will make it clear that no one can leave their sale items.
d. Local 1505 Report
The Local 1505 Report was given by Preston Slayton. Preston stated that they are working on the Car Show that will begin on June 12th. They have been working with Administration on testing that will be completed
tomorrow. They have been working with Randy and Administration on the budget.
e. Firefighter’s Association Report
There was no Firefighter Association report.
.
6. CALL TO THE PUBLIC
There was no answer to the call to the public.
7. PURCHASE REQUESTS
There were no purchase requests
8. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
a. Run Report
The run report was given by Chief Don Howard. There were 58 calls to service for the month of April. Don stated that this has been one of the slower months.
b. Captain’s Promotional Testing
Chief Howard stated that we are completing our Captain’s Promotional testing this Thursday. Don thanked Preston Slayton and Chris Fennell for their help. Don stated that we have quality candidates and we are looking forward
to the evaluations and selections.
c. Annual BBQ
Chief Howard stated that the annual BBQ will be May 30th from Noon to 4:00. We hope to have everyone there. Don stated that we will have pizza this year. Charles Kwiatkowski stated that this year would be different. It will
be more of a Public Safety Day. There will be more apparatus there from local fire departments, guardian and law enforcement. It will be a big event. There will be a bike rodeo.
d. PFAC Drill
Don Howard stated the PFAC drill was successful with most of the area agencies participating on April 25th.
The drill was held at Pinewood Fire District. It included fire agencies, law enforcement and CERT teams. Don stated that there were 125 participants. Don stated that there were three fires during the drill and one after the drill.
e. Legislative Update
Chief Howard gave a legislative update. Don stated that there are a couple of main legislative bills. One is limiting our growth and one is the FDAT bill. The house has heard the FDAT bill. They have had three readings and it is
ready to go to vote. The Senate is not hearing bills until the State budget is finalized. Don stated that Lee Miller, the Lobbyist for AFDA, feels that if they do pass the budget the FDAT bill will pass. This bill will take three year
averaging of FDAT funding for merging departments. We should know in the next six to seven weeks. Don stated that the bill limiting growth has not been heard yet.
f. Other
Chief Howard stated that our new clowns Squirt and Blaze (Tara Paprocki and John Wesbrock) will be at Cromer School at 2:00. They had a chance to perform on Tuesday at Leupp School. That school is somewhat isolated.
Don stated that he received a call from the principal stating that they were outstanding. John Wesbrock stated that the program is in its infancy and that they are trying to develop it to reach diverse cultures. John discussed how it
will be a great tool for fire and EMS safety to the community. John stated that it was nice to go to Leupp and be welcome. They will be doing one performance on the 30th.
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
10. NEW BUSINESS
a. Reports from the Summit Budget Advisory Sub Committee.
Randy James presented the Majority Report from the Summit Budget Advisory Sub Committee. Randy stated that he has been on the Board since 1997. Randy stated that this year there were some things in the economy that
concerned him and he asked for a budget workshop. Randy discussed the economy and property values. Randy stated that he wanted to look at several years out. Randy stated that the workshop evolved into a Budget
Advisory Sub Committee. It was composed of two firefighters, two citizens, two staff members, and two Board members. Randy named off the Committee members. Randy stated that they held four meetings. Randy discussed
the meetings and the amount of information from the meetings. Randy stated that there were two concerned citizens that we needed to educate on some of the things that we do. There was a lot of good discussion at the
meetings. Randy stated that he was made Chairman and he made an effort to make sure that everyone had a chance to speak. It came down to the last meeting on April 21st. We needed to provide a recommendation with
options for this fiscal year. We have eight items that came to the top. Some of the items were unanimous and some were split with a minority. We agreed that the minority could present a report or speak at the meeting. Randy
went over the report.
Mechanic Shop: Randy stated that 7 out of 8 members recommended holding off on the mechanic shop. Randy stated that he suggested budgeting for the shop in case we need it. Randy explained that if we budget for it we
could build it if we feel the need is there but we don’t have to use it.
Hiring Freeze: Randy stated that it was unanimous to recommend a hiring freeze with a threshold of three line personnel. Seasonal hiring is not included. Randy stated that there was a lot of discussion on this issue. The Seasonal
are budgeted hires.
Salary Freeze and COLA: 5 members recommended no step increase; Randy stated that he recommended ½ step increase. Chris Fennell and Garrett Hall recommended a full step increase. Chris and Garrett will prepare a
Minority Report on this item. Preston Slayton presented the Minority Report for Chris Fennell on this item. Preston stated that they feel they support the community as best they can. Their concerns are with the 42 people they
represent. Some of these people are facing loss of income from their spouse. Preston stated that they should look at this one year at a time for salaries and that Summit can afford the step increases this year. Preston stated that
we strive to keep up the level of service and have pride in our performance. WE enjoy what we do but we can’t do it for free. Preston stated that our recommendation is to go ahead with the step increase.
Randy James stated that it was unanimous to recommend no COLA.
Level of Service; Randy James stated that the report should read 6 members of the Committee recommended to keep the current level of service. 1 member had no comment and one member felt that if things continue as they are
we will need to cut staff levels. Bruce Johnston addressed the Board on this issue. Bruce stated that if the economy continues the way it is staff cuts would be inevitable. Bruce stated that he hopes these would be by attrition and
that is why we were looking at a hiring freeze this year. Randy James asked if Siri Mullaney would like to address the Board and Siri stated that she would like to wait until the end to address the Board.
Communication Upgrade; 6 of the Committee members recommended moving forward with the upgrade. Bruce Johnson and Siri Mullaney said they needed more information for a decision.
Existing Programs; Randy stated that these are built into the budget. Randy stated that it was unanimous to recommend we continue to cutback as needed. Some of the programs are essential.
Apparatus Purchase; Randy stated that it was unanimous that we hold off on the purchase of any apparatus with the exception of a fuels crew truck for $25,000. The old one is a 1994 and needs to be replaced.
Tax Rate; Randy stated that there was much discussion on the tax rate. Randy called on anyone from the Committee who would like to speak on this subject.
Preston Slayton representing Chris Fennell; Preston stated that they are against lowering the tax rate because they don’t know where the economy is going. This department could take a hit. We don’t want to lower it and try to
raise it again later. We need to try to keep it level. Preston stated that most people in the community won’t notice the amount from a 2.4 to a 2.3. Preston stated that Chris and Garrett did not vote for the Hiring Freeze. They feel
that if the position is in the budget it should be filled in order to keep up the level of service. Randy went over the meeting notes. There was further discussion of the nature of a hiring freeze.
Siri Mullaney addressed the Board. Siri stated that she didn’t give her opinion on the rate because she feels the process is not done correctly. Siri stated that you need to find out what assessment you need then back into the rate.
Siri discussed the difference between the mil rate and the tax assessment. Siri stated that the district needs to consider what a reasonable increase is. Last year was 40% and that was unreasonable.
Don Howard addressed the Board. Don stated that it is good to see everyone. It is good for the families to come and understand why we do things. We have built projections for four years. We have real unknowns in this
climate and we have not been through a climate like this. Last year we had a 31% increase in our taxes we acquired from our community overall. We need to look at a 2.3 mil rate. We have some level of responsibility to the
community to respond to this economic crisis. Don discussed why he feels a 2.3 mil levy is the appropriate balance. Don stated that it is his recommendation that we freeze salaries for the 2009/2010 fiscal year. Highlands will be
going forward with their step increase they will be freezing salaries next year without dialog. Chris Fennell stated that the Union has not verified this information.
Bruce Johnson addressed the Board. Bruce stated that he agrees with what Siri stated. The mil rate is immaterial. The tax bill is what is important and that is what people will look at. The total tax bills for the district with a 2.3
assessment will be up 24% for two years. Over the last three years is up 50%. Bruce stated if you go back further it increases more. The assessment has doubled in the last four years. Bruce stated that he is retired and lives off
the money that he has saved. His income has dropped by 90%. The tax bill is important. Bruce stated that in regards to Preston’s point that the taxpayer wouldn’t notice if you dropped the mil levy to 2.3 is an argument for
decreasing it more. Bruce stated that the meeting over taxes here was packed and 80% were irate because of the taxes. Look at the tax bill and break it down. All the taxes have gone up but this is the only one that has gone up
this much. Many people in this community have had their salaries reduced or been laid off. At the tax meeting Chief Howard made a commitment that we won’t see the taxes higher, however the decrease district wide in the
assessment was only 3%. This was so little there will be a substantial number of people who will see their taxes go up if you keep the mil rate the same. I think it requires at least a 10% decrease in the rate. That is not one of the
options on the sheet. I will remind people that the rate went up last year from a 2.3 to 2.4.
Sam Whitted addressed the Board. Sam stated that we have a level of service we have worked hard to achieve. Sam stated that he would like to see it maintained. He would like to see us follow through in a decision that reflects
the community. Sam stated that he feels a mil rate of 2.3 would accomplish what we are looking at. It will allow us to maintain levels and function.
Randy James stated that he has taken some heat for increasing the taxes and is guilty as charged. He would like people to look back. Before Summit they had old trucks, dangerous stuff and had employees leaving. We set some
goals when we merged and it doesn’t come free. Randy stated that he is proud of these guys and proud of the equipment. He would put these guys up against anyone. We have one of the finest departments in the State and it
costs money. Randy stated that he made decisions along with the other Board members to spend money. Randy stated that he pays taxes too. We knew this day would come when the property values would level out. We
operated in the best fashion we could to get to where we are today. Randy explained why he feels it is important that we stay at a 2.4 mil rate. Randy stated that we do not want to lay people off. Randy stated that if we go out
two years and it is not as bad then we can lower the mil levy. That is his point as a Committee member and he will put on a different hat as a Board member.
Gary Selig stated that he sees that 80% of our expense is staff and we are asking them to take have a hiring freeze and we are cutting back on most of our major projects. We are attempting to show the community we are
sensitive to values and issues on the tax bill. Gary stated that he follows along with Randy on the 2.4 mil rate issue. Gary stated that if we go down too far and the assessment goes down, catching up can impact the service and the
lives of the staff. Gary stated that he supports a 2.4 mil rate.
Rick Parker stated that he has listened to Randy on the items in the report and looked at the budget. Rick stated that he agrees that there should not be a cost of living increase but there should be a step increase. It looks like we
can do that and we should give them the step increase. Rick stated that he feels we should keep the mil rate at 2.4 because it would be tough to catch up. Rick stated that he knows we have to go slow. Rick discussed his
reasons he feels we should give a step increase.
Dan Atkinson stated that they have a tough decision. Dan stated that his thought is that he agrees with Randy and Rick. It has taken a long time to build this department to where it is today. Dan discussed how far the department
has come and how many people the department has helped over the years. Dan stated that we need to maintain our level of service. Dan stated that he attended the meeting about the taxes. There were about 120 people there
who were upset that the taxes went up to 50% in some areas. Dan stated that he did not say anything at the meeting, he just listened. He heard that people appreciate what the department does but they can’t stand the tax
increases. We, as Board members, need to balance it. Dan stated that as a Board member he made a commitment to respond to the community. Dan stated that if we lower the mil rate to 2.3 and have a salary freeze we can
lower the taxes as much as possible. To lower it any more than that would be detrimental to the department. Dan stated that he is in favor of a 2.3 mil rate and a salary freeze. Dan stated that we need to respond to the
community.
Siri Mullaney addressed the Board. Siri stated that changing the mil levy does nothing about the tax levy. You can raise and lower it within the statutory regulations. Siri stated that she saw a 39% increase in the tax levy. She
stated that she disagrees that 24% in two years is reasonable. Siri stated that she does not agree with the argument to give raises because of the hardship due to spouses being laid off. Taxpayers have been laid off. At this point
Siri was speaking too quickly for me to understand and to keep up with. Siri stated that people can’t afford houses if taxes keep going up. Cost of the current standards need to be considered. There is no unending source of
money. Siri stated that she would like to see more citizens on the committee. Siri stated that no other organization would get employee input on a budget. The employees are part of the general public also. Siri left the meeting.
Don Howard addressed the Board. Don stated that with some people the issue of a salary freeze became somewhat of a personal issue. Don stated that he feels this is what would be in the best interest of Summit Fire. Don
stated gave the Board some of the reasons why he feels this would be best for Summit. Don stated that we are in an unknown environment. Don discussed how the price for homes has dropped and we don’t know where it is
headed. Don expressed his political concerns and that there will be an election next year. We still have Proposition 13 Arizona that is an unknown. Don discussed Proposition 13 Arizona and how if it passed it would reduce our
current tax revenue by 47%. Don stated that we do need to respond to our community. Don talked about a 24% increase in the money that was available and that this economic issue took place very quickly. Don stated that he
feels sometime in the next four years we will need to have a salary freeze. Don stated that if we provide a salary increase, in four years we will be in the red by about $230,000. Don stated that we need to get through that time
period. We will have new construction and potential for funding from other resources that could help. Don stated that we don’t want to lose anyone. Don stated that it is important for us to move forward in a responsible way that
the community can see.
Rick Parker stated that the stuff that is coming up people will vote on no matter what we do. Rick stated that if we need to decrease the wages next year we will do that. The people he has spoken to want good service. The
majority of the people want this department to prosper. Rick stated that contrary to what Miss Mullaney stated volunteer department only work to some degree but don’t work as well as full time fire departments.
Randy James stated that if we don’t give the personnel a raise this year when will we give them a raise. We don’t know what the property values will be next year. The inflation is doing nothing this year but what about next year.
There could be inflation. Randy stated that if we are wrong we can give money back. We are trying to compare to the City of Flagstaff. We operate on property tax and they operate on sales tax. They will probably come out of
this before we do. Randy stated that he is not always right but his batting average is pretty high. Randy stated that we will need to make some hard decision in the next year or two. Randy stated to be cautious on going down too
much because it is hard to catch up. If we can give at least ½ step it would help. If we don’t give anything this year we will need to think about it next year.
Ron Fennell addressed the Board. Mr. Fennell stated that he is retired and has lived here for twenty years. He stated that we now have something worthwhile. He has watched this station when it was built and likes what is going
on with the department. It takes money for that. The things that the department has done take money. The people that work for the department want a salary that is good. Mr. Fennell stated that he is retired now because when
he was working he was in a good retirement system. He stated that he doesn’t mind paying the $200, $300, or $500 extra a year for the department. He stated that he is getting older and want paramedics available to respond if
he needs them. He does not want volunteers to come. We live in an area where there is a danger of wildfire and if the department wasn’t here there would be nobody to protect his home from wildfire. Mr. Fennell stated that he
doesn’t mind paying for the department. He wants to have plenty of people on the crews. He enjoys life here and likes what Summit Fire has done.
Julie Wiseapple addressed the Board. Ms Wiseapple stated that she is not a spouse of anyone on the department. She has been a citizen of the community since the early 70s. She has seen homes burn down. She stated that she
was fortunate to have these men and women around when she lost her father. They did everything they could to save his life. She stated that as a citizen she is in favor of step increases for the personnel. She stated that Don
Howard has done an assume job as Chief. Ms. Wiseapple stated that these are the most wonderful people and this department is one of the best things that have happened to the community. She stated that she lost her job in
December and has been hired by Coconino County with an 8,000 a year pay cut. She lost her mother in law in November. She stated that as a citizen she wants everyone to know how much she appreciates them and how much
they mean to her and her family.
Mark Sahara addressed the Board as a citizen. Mr. Sahara stated that the amount for the salary freeze that you are talking about is $65,000. He stated that he supports give the step increase. In discussing the mil rate he stated
that he thinks we need to figure out what it costs to run the fire departments. He stated that he doesn’t think Siri is grasping the concept and in the discussion of several years out maybe the mil rate needs to go up. He stated that
he doesn’t grasp the hiring freeze. Does it mean that if someone retires they will not be replaced? The hiring freeze needs to be explained to all citizens. If a guy is not replaced will the level of service go down?
Rick Parker stated that in reference to the hiring freeze we would replace the person if it is a Captain and hire someone at the bottom. Rick stated this is the first time he has seen this. Randy explained the hiring freeze is that we
would not rehire if someone left up to three people. Randy stated that we paid off Station 32 in 2007/2008 and Tender 32 was paid off in 2007/2008. Randy stated that we have three capital items left. Randy discussed the lease
purchase agreements. Dan Atkinson stated that this is the bottom line and this is what it takes to run the department.
Sandy Wiseapple addressed the Board. She stated that she has lived here for 41 years. She stated that she would support the step increase. These guys are terrific. Anyone who has needed the guys to come out would know
that the tax increase is worth every penny. Three years ago their barn burned in high winds. The fire took the barn but they saved the house. She stated that she couldn’t say enough about what they have done for the community.
Ms. Wiseapple stated that she is also retired. She had dome in for a blood pressure check and her blood pressure was so high they rushed her to the hospital. She stated that she might have died if they had not done that.
Kira Blair stated that she was a volunteer with Summit for a while. Kira stated that the Summit guys have checked on her Grandma because she is alone and has problems. It is very important to her. They have checked on a
beehive at the house. They go because a member of the community asks them to go. Kira stated that her Grandpa had a heart attack on Silver Saddle Rd. They were outside the station and ready before she got him here. She
stated that she is thankful to them in more ways than one.
Bruce Johnson addressed the Board. Bruce stated that there was no suggestion from the committee to close a station. It might be feasible down the road. Bruce stated that they did send a survey out to the community in the last
newsletter and asked if there is a synopsis from the returned surveys. Don stated that we don’t have an analysis of the returned surveys. We sent out about 3,000 newsletters and got 20 responses. We received about 25% in
favor of what we currently do and about 75% feel we need to make alterations. They varied on a grand scale. Don stated that it would be difficult to put together an analysis because the questions are open-ended. Don stated
that he feels getting 20 responses out of number sent does not give an indication of what the community wants. Bruce Johnson stated that it is a place to start.
Trina Hernandez addressed the Board. Trina stated that she would like to give a perspective from a family member’s point of view. She stated that it makes her nervous to run two man crews. They can’t fight a house fire
effectively. They can’t do two in two out. She stated that they have come to the house plenty of time to check thing out.
Anita Burns addressed the Board. Anita stated that from a human resource side the moral issue for the guys is huge. She stated that the numbers look like about $40,000. It appears that the money is there but you are afraid of
where the economy is going. You may need to make a tough decision next year. This is a small price to pay for good moral. These guys do the job they are supposed to do and they rely on leadership.
Ron Fennell addressed the Board. Mr. Fennell stated that the survey was too open ended. It should have been something simple to fill out. There should be some choices. He explained how he started to fill it out but it was taking
too much time so he didn’t finish it.
A citizen addressed the Board who did not give his name. He stated that he commended the department for their effort and work on this subject. He stated that you have taken the time to take this issue seriously when you could
have over reacted and made drastic decisions. He stated that he was really concerned as a homeowner. Taxes have gone up tremendously. He has been in flagstaff for 18 years and has seen Doney Park grow and change. If he
owned one of those beautiful homes out here he would hope to have the fire department respond for any emergency. This department has grown and become a department to be envied. He stated that he is willing to pay for this
department. He stated that he doesn’t expect his money to be spent frivolously and he doesn’t see that. He does not support a COLA but he does support step increases. He stated that for the mil rate you should not shoot
yourself in the foot. Good job on the work you have done.
Rick Parker stated that after the meeting we had on taxes he spoke to quite a few people from the district. This place was packed that night. At the start of the meeting everyone was emotionally charged. Rick stated that after
the meeting a lot of questions were answered that people didn’t know. Rick stated that since then he can count the number of people on one hand who have come to a Board Meeting. Rick stated that most of the people in the
District want to support this department.
Kristin Thames addressed the Board. Ms. Thames stated that this fire department means the world to her family. They were there when she was 14 and fell from a trampoline. She owes them her life and her Grandma’s life. She
stated that she doesn’t think a volunteer firefighter could have done what Mike did. They have her support.
11. ACTION ITEMS
a. Resolution 2009-01 for the Cafeteria Plan for 2009
Tina Dillahunty stated that we received the plan in March from BASIC. It is for the plan effective 1/1/09. It is the same plan as last year but has to be re-adopted every year. There was a motion by Randy James to adopt
Resolution 2009-01 for the Cafeteria Plan for 2009 and a second by Gary Selig. The vote in favor was unanimous.
b. 2009/2010 Fiscal Year Budget
There was a discussion of the proposed budgets. Don Howard thanked Tina Dillahunty for her work on the budget. Don stated that there was a tremendous amount of time spent on the document. There was a discussion of the
solar energy proposals by Sam Whitted. There was a discussion of the life span on the investment. Sam stated that we don’t have the complete information yet. There was further discussion of the solar energy proposals and
APS. There was a discussion of how if it is in the budget we can still go into this slowly. There was a discussion of the Communications System Project. There was a discussion of the grants in the budget for the project. Gary
Selig stated that he wanted to make sure that the solar project was not before the communications project. There was further discussion of communications and grants.
Rick Parker stated that he supports a step increase and a 2.4 mil rate. Rick stated that we will look at next year when we get to next year. Dan Atkinson stated that he noticed that Chief Howard’s salary did not change. It is
important for people to know that. Rick stated that Chief Howard is at step 10.
Dan Atkinson stated that we would be letting the community down if we go with a 2.4 mil rate. Dan stated that we owe it to those 120 people plus the 50 x more people that are upset by taxes. We are setting ourselves up as
targets. Dan stated that he personally listened to them. Dan stated that he thinks 2.3 should be the minimum that we do for these people. The difference in the budget is $130,000. We need to make a good faith effort. Dan
stated that he is torn on the step increase. Dan stated that he can appreciate the fact that if we ruin moral it will be hard to get back. We do have pay increases projected in the future budgets. Dan stated that he would like to
discuss the step increase and hear what the other Board members feel about it. Dan stated that Randy had a good idea to do a ½ step increase. Dan stated that the Firefighter’s Minority Report is very one sided and he would
expect that. He would have like to have seen some concession from the Union. Dan stated that he wanted to thank Randy, Gary and everyone on the committee. He appreciated all the extra work that was put in. This was a
vital function. Dan stated that he feels the mil rate should be 2.3 but he would like more discussion on the step increase.
Rick Parker stated that the people who were at that meeting never came back again. He stated that he is fine with what is going on. There are more people out there that support what we do here. Dan stated that he talked to
Craig and he still feels the same way. There are many people who feel the same way. Dan stated that Don made a promise regarding the taxes and he feels we need to lower the mil rate. Dan stated that he feels we can have a 2.3
mil rate and maintain the level of service. Rick stated that the guys did make a concession. They agreed to no COLA. Rick stated that the people here tonight said that they don’t mind paying for the fire department. Rick stated
that we need to take this on a year by year basis.
Gary Selig stated that this is a work in progress. We will be dealing with this again with about the same amount of emotion. If we take this down too far too quickly it could be a problem. Gary stated that if the district needs some
concessions to support the public we could do that. Something has to give somewhere. Dan Atkinson stated that he feels we need to go to a 2.3 mil rate to show we are doing something.
Don Howard stated that the projections are based on a 2.3 mil rate with the assessed valuations going down and the mil rate going up to keep the tax levy level. That is one of the ways we came up with the projections. Son
stated that he feels by the end of four years we will feel some of the recovery. Don discussed some of the things we are looking to acquire for apparatus in later years. There was a discussion of the mil rate. There was a
discussion of the tax meeting.
Gary Selig stated that he doesn’t feel good about picking on employees. He stated that he supports the 2.4 mil rate and that we need to do something else to show good faith to the public.
Rick Parker stated that we shouldn’t do a salary comparison. We should pay a full step increase. We can afford the step increase. Rick stated that he support the 2.4 mil rate. Rick stated that he does not support a COLA.
There was further discussion of the projections. There was further discussion of inflation. Dan Atkinson discussed the three columns on the budget. Dan stated that he thinks that inflations has not been drastic and is not a
bargaining point. They are not giving anything up. Dan stated that we need to do something to show the community the we heard them. We are going to balance the 2.3 mil rate with the capital carry forward. What are you giving
up? The only difference is the capital carry forward. Dan stated that it was brought up that we should take it year by year. This is the year we are in and we are not coming down a penny on our budget. Dan stated that it is the
wrong message to send. Rick stated that last year he did not vote to go to a 2.4 mil rate. Dan stated that he is in favor of going to a 2.3 mil rate this year. Dan stated that he would go with a step increase with a 2.3 mil rate.
There was further discussion.
Bruce Johnson addressed the Board. Bruce stated that Rick mentioned that we are in a prosperous year. Rick stated that he did not say we were in a prosperous year. He said that we have funds available. Bruce stated that this
is the worst year in seven years. The capital carry forward has been point of discussion on the committee. Bruce stated that in 2007 it was $479,000, last year it was $606,000 and the end of this year is $700,000. Under the 2.2
mil rate and step increase it is $790,000. You are taxing us for a savings account. Bruce stated that he has heard the step increase referred to as a merit increase. He asked the Chief if anyone was not given his step for merit and
the answer was no. Chief Howard corrected Mr. Johnson and stated that the answer was two. Bruce stated that is less than 1%. Bruce stated that we should be reducing salaries because the cost of living is down this year.
Bruce discussed why people attended the tax meeting was because they showed up at a neighborhood meeting at Station 33 so the department set up a special meeting for taxes. Bruce stated that it was brought up that we can’t
lower the mil rate because Fort Valley can’t go to a 2.2. We are supporting Fort Valley. If we do merge the people of this community will be supporting Fort Valley. We should be looking at what it takes to run this district.
Bruce stated that he knows he is not changing anyone’s mind but he wants this on the record.
Dan Atkinson asked Preston Slayton how he feels about next year. Preston stated that they would not ask for a COLA. Preston stated that if the economy is bad we will not ask for raises next year. If we have to take a salary
cut we will. Keeping the guys on the trucks is important. Dan asked how he feels about ½ step this year and ½ step next year. Preston stated that he hasn’t talked to the guys so he can’t answer that question. Rick Parker stated
that he can’t make any promises for next year. There was further discussion of the tax rate. Randy James stated that if we had a 3% decrease in assessed valuations and stay at 2.4 they will have a 3% decrease. Dan stated that
he feels we should go with a 2.3 with a step increase. There was further discussion and they went around to see where everyone stands on the budget. Three were for 2.4 mil rate and one for 2.3 mil rate. Randy wants ½ step
increase. Gary supports ½ step increase. Rick supports full step. Dan is willing to compromise with full step increase with 2.3 mil rate.
Don Howard stated that he feels a 2.4 mil rate would be a mistake. Don stated that if you go with a 2.4 you should go with the step increase. Don stated that a compromise would be a 2.3 mil rate with a step. We need to
represent the staff and the community. Don stated that this is his position for all of the reasons he talked about earlier. Don stated that if we do not take a step to reduce the tax rate during this difficult time we will pay for it. There
was further discussion. Randy James discussed how he has talked to people in the district and they support the department. He stated that he feels we need to be at 2.4 with a step increase. Gary Selig stated that he supports a
2.4 mil rate with a step increase. There was a discussion of how the budget needs to be published and posted. There was a motion by Gary Selig to approve the proposed 2009/2010 fiscal year budget with the 2.4 mil rate and
the step increases for publishing and posting. There was a second by Randy James. There was no further discussion. The vote was three in favor and one opposed. The motion was carried.
12. CALL TO THE PUBLIC
There was no answer to the call to the public.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There was a motion to adjourn by Rick Parker and a second by Gary Selig . The vote was unanimous and the meeting adjourned at 9:56 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tina Dillahunty
