09-09-96 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Committee Report Personnel and Finance September 4, 1996 Page 5 Chief Taylor reviewed the 3-page summary. He noted that the EMS Budget and the Fire Department Budget are now combined with the budgets having been separated since the mid 1980's. He noted that the Safety Officers would be filled by Captains on a 24 hour basis and he then reviewed the spread sheet. He noted that one of the new programs which will be reflected in the numbers is the switch of vehicle maintenance to Equipment Services. Assistant Chief Switalski noted that since 1977 every firefighter hired by the City of South Bend results in the City paying 21% of the gross salary into PERF or approximately $5,218. Chief Taylor noted that the overtime budget reflects an increase of approximately $90,000 from$290,000 to $380,000 in order to address increasing the Rooky School from 8 weeks to a 10 week program. Assistant Chief Switalski suggested that the Council may wish to reduce the education/training budget by $35,000 and adding it to the overtime budget. Chief Taylor noted that the Department is very conscious of safety concerns however he noted very specifically that the liability line is down approximately $32,000 and that the Department is well below entries experienced compared to the national average for fire departments. It was also noted that the overtime budget does not reflect any dollars with regard to the two in two out discussion which is continuing. Council Member Zakrzewski questioned whether the $42 per hour rate charged by Equipment Services for vehicle maintenance is standard. Assistant Chief Switalski noted that this is standard in the industry however they did negotiate that the specialized parts would not have a markup since the fire department spends a considerable amount of time in this area. In response to question raised by Council Member Luecke it was noted that the Fire Department is currently down one position however two applications are in process. PERF requires psychological testing and the written test will take place in October with the agility test taking place in December. Approximately ten (10)women will go through the testing process. 120 firefighters are eligible to retire with 53 eligible for benefits. Ten (10) have retired so far this year with one more expected. PERF continues to remain an unfunded liability. In response to questions raised by Council Member Zakrzewski and Council Member Luecke it was noted that the fire study update as well as an update on a two in two out policy would be forthcoming with discussions continuing on both topics. Council Member Pfeifer voiced concern with regard to hours in especially overtime work by firefighters. It was noted in the collective bargaining agreement the neonatal provisions do address this and that safety concerns are always paramount in the department. It was noted that there are contractual arrangements with the University of Notre Dame and that the South Bend School Corporation has an agreement with regard to utilizing off duty reserve units for responses.