HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93011_1445 (2)Collaborative Government: To enhance cooperation among governmental entities to develop and
maintain similar ordinances and policies, whenever possible.
Education/Culture/Recreation: To excel in providing diverse educational, cultural, and recreational
opportunities that enhance the quality of life for all Iredell County residents.
Comprehensive Health Care — To enhance accessibility to comprehensive health care for a growing
population and promotion of community wellness.
Public Safety: To provide effective public safety and enhance accessibility to emergency services for a
growing population, with good cooperation among governmental entities.
Wexelbaum said a prioritized listing of the goals would be created and shared with the board.
County Manager Mashburn said the board would have to determine which goals needed to be
implemented, and these decisions would impact future budgets.
Rescue Squad Funding: A discussion occurred about the funding formula for the rescue squads,
and there was consensus to use the following method:
Calculate the average appropriated to the VFDs for the last three years times the four
rescue squads to determine the total funds available. Calculate the total appropriated for
each Rescue Squad for FY 06-07 increased by the 3 -year cumulative increase in the CPI.
Subtract the FY 06-07 appropriation adjusted by CPI from the total funds available to
determine the amount of funds available for Capital Reserve. Allocate the total Capital
Reserve between the four Rescue Squads based on call volume.
County Manager Mashburn said the FY 07-08 budget would utilize this method.
Commissioner Johnson said he would share the new formula with the squads.
FIRE CHIEF COUNCIL PRESENTATION: Andy Webster (Cool Springs VFD), Jeff
Richardson (Mount Mourne VFD), Jamie Barrier (Shepherd VFD), Ken Jumey (former member of the
Fire Tax District Board), Jay Stewart (Trinity VFD), and Fire Tax District Board Members Jeff Tucker,
Carroll Goodman, and Frank Phillips attended this segment of the meeting.
Richardson said a new funding plan had been developed and all VFD, chiefs supported it. He said
the Fire Tax District Board members also knew about the plan.
Webster mentioned the difficulty in recruiting new volunteers, and he said a recruitment program
had been implemented. He estimated it would take $50 million a year to replace the volunteers with paid
personnel.
Jumey discussed the State Insurance Office's rating system. He said a six rating was a goal for
all departments, and the state rated each VFD on how well it would probably respond to a fire. Jumey
said additional funding was needed to achieve better ratings, and property owners would see a decrease in
their homeowners' insurance costs if the ratings improved. He said water availability was where the
departments achieved the most points, and areas with hydrants scored well. Mr. Jumey said an
interpretation of apparatus within 15 miles was needed, and the departments did not get much credit for
neighboring apparatus. He said that if the water delivery problem were solved, all of the departments
could achieve at least a 6 rating because they had the apparatus. Mr. Jumey then reviewed the new
funding plan as follows:
Funding Plan Recommendation
The first step is to adopt the funding formula that was developed by the fire marshal with some
revisions. Review the formula after one year to see if it meets the expectations of the fire tax
board and the fire departments. If any revisions need to be made, they should be done before the
next fiscal year.
Formula Revisions
Revisions are contingent upon a I -cent increase in the current fire tax. These amounts reflect the
real value of the effort of those departments that step-up and spend the time and effort to reduce
fire insurance premiums for their communities.
VFD Rating Fire Marshal Office Plan Fire Chief Council Proposed
Revisions