08-27-02 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Personnel and Finance Committee August 27,2002 Page 5 Council Member Pfeifer inquired how many women are on the Fire Department. It was noted that there are now three (3) women, all of whom are cross-trained for EMS and front -line fire suppression services. 2003 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) 2002 Expenditures $ 736,967 Fund #288 2003 Expenditures $ 540,315 Revenue Increase $342,500 35.6% 2002 Revenues $ 961,500 Revenue Over Expenditures $763,685 2003 Revenues $ 1,304,000 Assistant Chief Switalski stated that they are budget known costs to pay for lease payments, collection fees, and transfers to the General Fund. With the mandatory assignments which will take place in light of the ordinance recently passed by the Common Council, revenues will increase as a result of this by$ 1.3 million. In response to a question raised by Dr. Varner, it was noted that EMS has a 78%collection rate for services, while the national rate in this area is between 60-65 %. He noted that EMS keeps accounts open for three(3) years and attempts to work with residents on monthly payments. After three(3) years, the State Board of Accounts directs them to write off any remaining balances. The Council Attorney inquired about burn-out of paramedics, since that has been an ongoing problem both here and nationally . Assistant Chief Magdalinski stated that that is a difficult question which is plaguing almost all EMS departments. South Bend has implemented EMT-I which is a six (6) month school vs. the eighteen (18) month school for other training. They are looking at requiring being an Advanced EMT-I in a three (3) year period. These individuals are assigned to ALS Engine Companies. Assistant Chief Magdalinski stressed that they are emphasizing better patient care through the proposed certification programs. Additional EMS equipment is being added to Fire Pumpers for Advanced Life Support (ALS) care. These programs are gaining interest from the younger firefighters. An additional $ 50,000 in equipment is needed, if fully implemented. These recommended programs are an outgrowth of the Study Committee and have not been formalized. He added that there are currently six(6) individuals in the paramedic class at Elkhart General. It was also noted that the"Interfund Transfer to General Fund"has not been reviewed since the 4th Unit was put into service, and that at some time in the future there should be discussions with the Council on this topic. In response to a question from Dr. Varner, it was noted that the current contract with St. Joseph County began in 1997. Fire Pension Fund (Fund # 701) 2002 Revenue $ 3,926,607 2003 Revenue $ 3,890,377 2002 Expenditures $ 3,907,270 2003 Expenditures $ 4,250,351 Assistant Chief Switalski provided a handout entitled "South Bend Firefighters Pension Fund Proposed 2003 Budget"(copy attached). He noted that the amounts are based on the firefighter lst