BC 2011 05 31 Recessed - Laserfiche WebLink

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May 31, 2011 (Recessed Meeting) Page 449 the additional tax is greatly needed for general operating purposes. If approved, the new tax rate would be 0.06 per $100 valuation. Mr. Cox and Chief Honeycutt responded to questions from the Board. Odell Fire Department Lonnie Seaford, President of the Odell Fire Department Board of Directors, Fire Chief Jake Williams and Robbin Myers, Treasurer, were present to request a 3 cent tax rate increase. Mr. Seaford advised the additional revenue will be used exclusively for staffing to reduce ISO (Insurance Services Office) ratings. If approved, the new tax rate would be 0.06 per $100 valuation. The Odell representatives responded to several questions from the Board. Countywide Fire Study In reference to an issue raised at the Board's winter retreat, Bobby Smith, Emergency Management Director and Steve Langer, Fire Marshal, requested permission to proceed with a countywide fire study using leftover funds from the public safety facility study. The consultant would review the current service delivery model and develop a long -range strategic plan for fire service delivery. The benefits /scope of this study includes: ® The study will help the fire departments create a schedule for equipment replacement that follow the guidelines of the NC Department of Insurance, NC Office of the State Fire Marshal, and National Fire Protection Association standards. This will aid departments in budget preparation for equipment replacements and, assist the county in reviewing fire department budget requests and tax rates. ® The study will help determine adequacy of fire station location and future placement of fire facilities. This will validate that citizens are getting the best possible protection based on their location to the nearest station. It will also guide the County and the Fire Departments with future plans to lower insurance ratings for the districts. ® The study will help fire departments develop improvement plans, analyze training records, response times, equipment, and water supply, rescue service delivery ability, and make recommendations for county -wide response policies. ® The study will review the current fire protection contracts and the relationship to each department's operating policies. The study will evaluate training programs and officer qualifications to verify qualification of firefighters are adequate. ® The study will analyze the operating cost of each department. The study will help determine if taxing levels are adequate for each district and that funds are being used strategically for fire protection services. Recommendations for equity of service and staffing will be included. ® The study will recommend options for capital projects and county -wide purchasing policies. ® The study will also consider and offer service delivery options, such as mergers, consolidations, and contracting with municipal departments. Mr. Langer estimated the study would take a year to thoroughly review each fire department /district and develop its recommendations. Mr. Smith estimated the study to cost between $45 - $60,000.00. He also advised a committee consisting of county staff and fire department representatives will interview prospective consultants and provide a recommendation to the Board. John Day, County Manager, also addressed questions from the Board throughout the presentation. study. By consensus, the Board agreed to move forward with the countywide fire Sheriff's Department Sheriff Brad Riley and Chief Deputy Paul Hunt presented the FY 12 budget requests for the Sheriff's Department, Animal Control and the County Jail totaling $21,505,732.00. Sheriff Riley responded to a variety of questions from the Board and referenced recommendations from a staffing study prepared a couple of years ago. He also invited Board members to attend an open house for the County Jail on June 9th at 5:30 p.m. A general discussion ensued.