The Black Forest Fire and Rescue Protection District Board is proposing a $2.4 million budget they hope to complete by Dec. 15. Voters passed the mill levy measure in November, which raises taxes by $565,680 annually, beginning in January. As a result, key budget items were at the forefront of discussion at the Nov. 15 district board of directors meeting.ìWe have an obligation to voters not to spend the money we got on everything,î said Eddie Bracken, board member and Black Forest Community Club president. ìTraditionally, we always had enough money. We need to build reserves back up.îBudget componentsAs proposed, the 2012 budget is $2,467,041, which includes $15,000 for a ìtraining barn;î telephone expenses at $22,000; gas and oil at $21,525; repairs and maintenance at $15,000; a bond principal at $155,000 for a bank loan for station No. 2; and buildings, acquisition and major additions at $51,247.The district budgeted 3 percent for reserves. The proposed revenue is $584,482.The district maintains three station buildings, six engines, ambulances and two water tenders. Besides implementing computer software, repairing engines and upgrading the radio system; the board is considering hiring a deputy chief and increasing employee salaries.Maintaining shop, ISO ratingIn January, the district will begin documenting training in emergency reporting and computer software. The documentation serves as a record for certifying the training, which upholds the districtís Insurance Services Organization rating. The rating drives the cost of residentsí homeowners insurance.Two district engines, one purchased in 1989, will undergo pump repairs, with estimated costs from $15,000 to $26,000 for each engine. The repairs are budgeted under firefighting capital outlay, which stands at $300,000.The district also has an agreement with the county to fund a phased replacement of radios. ìSome of those 1800 megahertz radios need to be phased in (for) replacement for the next five years,î said Dave Ury, district chief. ìIt is like the pumps, they get tired as the years go on, but there is no drop dead date to be proactive. We have the money in the budget.îInvesting in employeesThe board is awaiting salary comparisons from surrounding districts before setting salary increases. The district has 11 full-time employees ñ nine are emergency medical technicians. The success of the mill levy allows the district to retain all employees.The budget includes $532,450 in wages for full-time employees and $50,000 for part-time employees. A 5 percent wage inflation factor with a 15 percent staff change is also included. Health benefits are budgeted at $90,500, with an 8 percent inflation rate, and insurance general liability for workers is budgeted at $56,100.ìThe problem we have is the employees migrate to higher paying jobs,î Ury said. ìWe will have to wait until July to make pay active.îPaying an additional employee, a deputy chief, is also a board consideration. Ury said the deputy chief would act as an assistant to the chief. ìWhether or not we can afford a deputy is a discussion we need to have,î he said. ìMy plan is 2013, in a year and a month.îThe board will hold a work session Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m. and a regular meeting Dec. 12 at station No. 2 at 11445 Teachout Road to finalize the proposed budget.
