08-16-05 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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' EMS Capital Fund (Fund#288) 2006 Revenue $1,414,800 2006 Expenditures $ 434,202 Chief Switalski noted that this dedicated fund was created by the Common Council in the 1970's, and has benefited the department by providing funds for equipment, turnout gear, etc. OSHA requires that turnout gear be replaced every 6-7 years, and the cost of turnout gear per firefighter is $1,400. for a total cost of$400,000. This year there was revenue from a fire grant which was used to by the new fire tanks. The department was able to get 3 of 4 of the grants for which they applied. One lease is coming off next year of$94,000. A new billing system is being looked at in light of the federal law requirements, noting that fines of $50,000 can be levied for violations. Currently they have four (4) people who do billings. 18,000 ambulance calls have been will be billed out. This averages out to 3,200 of claims per billing person. Goshen has gone to a 150% over the approved rate recently for their ambulance service. The City must accept assignment from Medicare. The city does not want to take any action where a senior citizen would hesitate to call 911. Chief Taylor noted that Homeland Security funds are being used to purchase laptops, and paperless reports will be used. He noted that they are carefully reviewing their short and long-term capital needs. During the Spring inspections, it was again noted that bedding needs to be update throughout the stations except for Central and Station # 10. Chief Taylor also noted that SCBA replacement is done consistent with applicable guidelines. Dr. Varner suggested that it may be less expensive to use one (1) additional person for billing purposes, and in that way the city may be exempt from the potential fines. It was his understanding that if you do not file electronically that you are exempt, noting that clearing houses were pulling off social security numbers and other data from such electronic filings. He also suggested that this fund might be considered to support the pension concerns. Chief Switalski noted that 51 paramedics are used in the EMS operations. Council Member Kirsits inquired about the miscellaneous revenues. Chief Switalski stated that it includes the fire grant monies and the monies from the sale of former fire station# 13. False alarm fees have brought in $4,100 through the first 6 months and $10,000 is being projected for 2006 in this area. He also noted that the Notre Dame revenue goes into miscellaneous revenue; and that there are 21 firefighters utilized for services provided to St. Joseph County. In response to questions from Council Member Puzzello, Chief Switalski stated that in 2007 DROP will affect the fire department the hardest, with 30 firefighters leaving the department. It is anticipated that a recruit class would be held in January of 2007 and in July 2007. Normally the department has 5-6 retirements a year. There are currently 84 on the eligibility list for the recruit classes. He also noted that there are currently four(4)women on the department. Council President Pfeifer noted that it appears that the fire department is doing a good job with regard to diversity, however getting women on the department appears to be more challenging. August 16,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -page 2-