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Permalink Reply by Sven Schievink on February 8, 2009 at 1:13am

Billy, One of the effects of the recession had on my Dept. , is that we put off going to the Citizens for a Bond Issue for monies to build a New Training Center, a new Station and either moving or rebuilding another Station. Also to be included in the Bond was money for a Fireboat, and some Engines. Overall we are in pretty good shape, as we are a Fire District that is a Junior taxing District. We went out for a vote to secure our funding for 6 yrs ( Initiative that was passed years ago capped taxes, Voters have to approve increases) So we are able to collect up to 106% of assessed property values. We don't have to compete with any other agencies for this money. So I guess this makes us not the norm of Most Cities. Our Dept Covers 2 different Cities, and unincorporated county. If you want anymore info, feel free to contact me.

Take Care Brother, Sven
South king Firefighter
Puget Sound Fool

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Permalink Reply by Dave LeBlanc on February 8, 2009 at 9:49pm

We have been fighting an uphill battle since 2005. We laid of 5 firefighters in 2005, and then had a small over ride(it is a Massachusetts thing tied to Proposition 2 1/2) and rehired 4. We were then able to fill the last postion in 2007.

This year they level funded the budget, and between extended sick outages and some injuries, the money got tight around December. Fro September on, our second station went unmanned whenever the ambulance was out. As of Januray 4th, our shift strength dropped to 5 and the station closes all together. So depending on how many are off, depends on whether the station is open.

The Town needs another over ride this year, and without one we may be facing layoffs again. The second station may get closed for good.

I am being brief here, but will be glad to give any info you need.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Bean on February 9, 2009 at 8:32pm

Billy,
This past July we eliminated 14 positions and closed our Heavy Rescue company and an EMS Shift Supervisors position. Luckily we didnt lay anyone off, the city offered an early buy out for anybody that was close to retirement and 12 of the brothers took the plan so we didnt have to send any of the 18 guys we had just hired home. We lost the other 2 positions through attrition. The impact this has had on us as a department is felt on every box, motor vehicle accident and technical rescue that we go on. The chief put extrication equipment on two engines on opposite ends of the city to cover the MVA's but we're running on boxes with three less men and the Ladder companies have a small amount of rope rescue equipment to cover that. Our guys are pretty disgruntled about losing the truck, which they've been fighting to get in service and staffed properly for years. If you've got any more questions or would like to discuss this more in depth feel free to email me at AJB118@gmail.com . If not hopefully I'll meet you in York at convention in June.

Adam

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