HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_2154In reference to the suggestion about a consolidated purchasing system, Commissioner Fortner
asked if the county could hire someone using the fire tax money for the salary and benefits. The
county manager said it could be done, but the fire tax money would have to be used strictly for that
purpose. The employee would have to be totally devoted to the fire service.
It was then mentioned there probably wouldn't be enough work for a full-time person, and
Commissioner Stewart asked about hiring a half-time employee. Mashburn said this could be done,
but he reminded the group the county contracted with each VFD. He continued by saying the VFDs
were non-profit entities and couldn't be forced to abide by county rules.
Commissioner Fortner asked Parker what type of purchasing employee he was
recommending. He said, "an all-around person, someone that could do purchasing and
negotiating." Parker mentioned that currently each VFD purchased air packs. He gave this as an
example where savings could be found if consolidated purchasing were done.
Commissioner Bowles mentioned a new method of purchasing recently approved by the
legislature. He said governments could piggy -back onto another jurisdiction's purchasing contract
even if the governing body was located out-of-state.
Parker reiterated the fire tax board's stance for the fire tax rate to remain the same at least
another year.
Commissioner Stewart mentioned that even with the fire tax some departments were still
having fund raisers. Goodman said the VFDs were allotted $150,000 for new trucks; however, most
trucks cost about $200,000. He said the departments had to make up the difference.
Commissioner Fortner asked what type of new consultant's study was needed. Parker said
a futuristic study. Goodman added that basically the Fire Commission only used the present study
for truck purchases.
Bowles asked if the Firemen's Association could pick a consultant for the study. He said he
knew that if the fire tax board and commissioners adhered to the current study that some VFDs
would probably be closed. Mayberry said not necessarily closed but some VFDs would probably
have to merge.
Parker said that no one actually visited the VFDs to see what was going on. He said no one
was assigned to oversee them. Commissioner Stewart said that maybe the fire tax board members
could divide up and visit each site similar to the way the planning board made visits.
Fire Marshal Gallyon said group purchasing was nothing new. He mentioned that several
years ago the county started purchasing insurance for all of the departments. Gallyon said some
departments were offended at first, but in time, they became more receptive.
Parker asked how many separate auditing firms were being used by the VFDs. Blumenstein
said about five. She mentioned that ten years ago only about four departments had a tax exempt
status. All of the departments were then encouraged to seek the exemption status and to obtain
annual audits.
Parker said he didn't feel it was the fire tax board's directive to fight with the VFDs. He said
the board was established to represent the taxpayers and by the same token, the fire departments
were created to represent the taxpayers.
Blumenstein said it was necessary for the county to adopt a balanced budget. She said the
county manager had recommended a county -wide fire tax of $ .0375. This is a reduction from the
current year's rate of $ .05. Blumenstein said the rate could be increased back up to the full $ .05
with the understanding that $.0125 reverted into debt service for the VFDs.