The Falcon Fire Protection District held its regular board meeting June 15 at 4 p.m. at the Station 1 meeting room. Board members present were Thomas Kerby, Dan Kupferer, Mike Collins and Ray Hawkins. Cory Galicia was absent. Also present were FFPD Chief Trent Harwig and attorney Joan Fritsche, legal counsel for the district.Treasurerís reportChief Trent Harwig reported that 42% of the fiscal year was complete as of May 31. The general fund had received 56% of budgeted revenues, and expenditures across the categories were at 31%. The second quarter transfers to other funds are scheduled and will increase this number but overall the departmentís expenses are under budget as of May.Harwig said he projects that the budget for fuel will be exhausted by July 31; the district is currently paying almost $8,000 a month for fuel between the general and ambulance transport funds, which is three times as much as last year.The ambulance transport fund has received 33% of budgeted revenues, and all expenditure categories are at 33%. The district is at 48% of collections on transport. The 33% number in revenues will increase and be at budget after the second quarter transfer from the general fund.The capital projects fund is at 25% revenue per quarterly transfer from the general fund and total expenses across all categories are at 34%. There is $947,000 left in the lease purchase category. Financial statements audit updateHarwig reported that the new auditor hired by the district requested the board approve and sign an extension to submit the audited financial statements to the state.The statutory deadline for local governments with a Dec. 31 fiscal year end to file the audited financial statements or an extension is July 31, 2022. The auditorís fieldwork at the fire department is scheduled to start June 20, and the chief anticipates the audit report will be issued in August.Staff reportStaff reports were postponed until the next board meeting.The volunteer standby hours for the month of May total 40. Harwig reported that American Medical Response has acquired many new employees; as a result, he anticipates the calls for transport from the city will drop. The calls in the district are steady.Attorney reportHarwig said that he and Joan Fritsche are signed up for a seminar to learn more about the Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program requirements, starting Jan. 1, 2023, which will affect special districts differently than other employers. Harwig informed the board that special districts could have the ability to opt in or out from the program, but the details were unclear. The board discussed how it could affect the department either way.Administrative buildingThe board approved many invoice and purchase change orders; among them were flooring delivered but not yet installed, HVAC escalation costs, gas line to the generator, hose bib and water line, floor plan changes by iiCon Construction (general contractor) and keyless entry systems.Station 1 parcelTom Kerby opened discussion about the El Paso County Sheriffís Office parcel adjoining the FFPD Station No. 1. There is concern about parking once the sheriffís office substation is built. The sheriff department has a cross-access easement agreement for the lot, but the board questioned whether the new temporary sheriffís office building would increase a need for parking in the fire departmentís parking lot. Kerby called the planning department and was told there was an existing easement agreement, and the sheriffís office application was already approved by the county commissioners. Kerby suggested filing a complaint stating that the sheriffís department should have provided their own parking with the new temporary building.Change to 2022 Pay Leave & Allowance ScheduleKerby summarized the previous discussions regarding staff compensation adjustments due to rising inflation. The previously discussed ways to offset this increase included a bonus or a base-pay increase. Kerby acknowledged that the district pay rates are lower than nearby fire departments. Harwig presented a thorough analysis of the issues surrounding the bonus or the flat pay increase, and concluded that a cost of living percentage increase across the board would be the best way going forward. He said he felt the budget can support the increase and it is easiest to administer. Harwig also pointed out that even with the increase, the district would come under budget for salaries at the end of the year because of several unfilled vacancies, including a fire marshal and receptionist, among other factors. The board agreed and approved a 4% pay increase to all staff effective June 12.November electionThe board listened to a conference call presentation by election consultant Bill Ray with WR Communications, a public affairs/campaign firm assisting local governments with public finance issues and public communication.Kerby said there was not enough information regarding property tax Senate Bill 21-293 and the temporary reduction of property taxes Senate Bill 22-238 to make a decision whether to hire a consultant and place an issue on the local ballot. Harwig said he believed there was no immediate impact on the district. Other directors agreed there was not enough information to formulate a ballot issue for the November 2022 election. The board decided not to go through submitted election consultant proposals during the meeting.Public commentThere was no public comment during the June board meeting.The next board meeting is July 20 at 4 p.m. at Station 1.
