Lawrence-Douglas County

Fire and Medical

Memo

To:                    Mike Wildgen

City Manager

From:               James A. McSwain

                        Chief  

Date: May 14, 2004

Re:                   FY 2005 Department Budget

In order to deliver on our mission to being “Committed to Saving and Protecting Lives and Property” we are requesting an overall budget increase of 7.87%.  This increase includes personal services associated with the hiring of nine FTE (one-quarter of the year) for Station 5.  In addition we are funding the open positions that were not filled with the retirement of two division chiefs.  We have maintained our Contractual Services and Commodities at .04% a slight increase over FY 2004.  You will notice that our Capital Outlay request has increased as a result of our 10-Year Vehicle Replacement Schedule.  As proposed Douglas County’s portion of the 2005 budget will be $2,545,659, leaving the cities portion of $7,798,247.

Our requested improvement and capital packages are personnel and equipment related.  In priority order these are:

1. Provide health insurance benefits for an average of 12 Extraboard members.  Presently they can participate in our program; however, they have to pay 100% for both single and family coverage.  This gesture will assist in the retention of Extraboard members.  Currently this program saves the city approximately $303,000 a year in overtime expenses.

2. To provide excellence in our mission we need to maintain our level of technological advancements to assist in operational demands and fire fighter safety.  The department constantly monitors technology in prevention programs that will enhance our prevention mission.  We are requesting a position class upgrade from lieutenant to captain in the prevention division.

3. 2003 was the first year of our 5-year mobile data terminal program.  We ask for continued funding to assist us in completing this program.

4. In conjunction with the construction of Station No. 5 we would like to install an air breathing system.  This system would eliminate the need for crews to drive across town to fill breathing air bottles after an incident.  In addition, a forced air hose dryer would allow for better maintenance of fire hose and structural protective equipment.

5. We reviewed and adjusted our 10-year Vehicle Replacement Program in light of the current financial constraints in 2003.  This adjustment extended the life of several vehicles with an understanding that annual maintenance costs would rise.  We are asking to fund the replacement of a 1991 Ford Squad and a 1993 Ford Explorer.

6. Thermal imaging equipment was purchased in the early 1990’s and is no longer manufactured.   In addition the batteries used by this equipment are no longer produced and we have to purchase reconditioned batteries by a third party.  We are in desperate need to begin a replacement program to ensure that this technology is not lost, insure safety of our firefighting staff and provide rapid interior rescue operations.

7. Scene lighting is imperative for timely and safe operations.  We are requesting a light tower to be installed on our hazardous materials vehicle.  The vehicle was constructed with this installation in mind and no additional costs would be required.

It is imperative the city commission continue to support the department’s Capital Improvement Program to ensure the safety of the community and to our fire fighters. 

In conclusion, we believe the funding request is reasonable and would allow us to continue to provide the excellent level of service our community expects.