HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_2178 (2)The county manager shared the following information regarding the change in fund balance
for the county-wide fire district during the past few years.
Fund Balance
July 1, 1997 $221,228
July 1, 1998 543,460
July 1, 1999 (estimated) 724,320
Amount Budgeted for trucks 99-00 $158,500
Amount Reserved for Trucks 401,625 (.01)
Amount Reserved 322,695
Proposed Budget FY 2000 $1,699,500
Fund Balance as a % of Proposed Budget 42.60%
The manager said that if the tax rate changed from his recommended $ .0375 up to $ .05, the
fund balance would be $1,226,320 or 72% of the appropriated budget.
Mr. Shumaker reiterated that the VFDs and the Fire Tax District Board now had plans to
reduce the debt. He referred to the letter by Mr. Parker (Attachment B) and a proposal on the cost
and operation of the county fire service (incorporated into the minutes and referenced as Attachment
C).
Commissioner Stewart said she did not think Mr. Parker would resign if he was assured the
board of commissioners would respect the decisions being made by the fire tax board.
Commissioner Johnson referred to the ad hoc committee that had been proposed to establish
standards and guidelines for the VFDs. He said he thought this was a good idea.
MOTION y Commissioner Fortner to reconsider the vote made on June 1, 1999 regarding
the county-wide fire tax rate.
VOTING: Ayes -4; Nays - 1 (Bowles).
MOTIONI by Commissioner Johnson for the county-wide fire tax to remain at five cents and
that the additional revenue be used to reduce the existing indebtedness, purchase fire hydrants, and
to set aside the funds in the capital reserve fund. At the end of each year, the tax board will be
required to appear before the board of commissioners and disclose the amount of indebtedness that
has been reduced that year.
VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays - 0.
Commissioner Stewart discussed the need for someone to inspect the hydrants upon
installation. She also mentioned the suggestion about consolidated equipment purchasing and the
resulting cost savings.
Commissioner Fortner said the county did not have adequate personnel to accomplish the
purchasing for the VFDs.
Mashburn said if the county purchased the hydrants, that probably a county staff person
would at least do this purchasing.
(Continuation of discussion on county departmental budgets for 1999-00)
Inspections: No changes
PIgunine: No changes