07-29-09 Personnel and Finance Committee Minutes

Home Browse Search

Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting July 29, 2009 Page 5 presentation on the adjusted Police Department budget. He thanked Mr. Pinckert and Police Chief Boykins and Division Chief Horvath for their presentation. Presentation on the Proposed 2010 South Bend Fire Department Budget: Following a brief recess, Council Member Tom LaFountain reconvened the Personnel and Finance Committee meeting and called for a presentation on the proposed 2010 South Bend Fire Department budget. Mayor Luecke stated that the City will continue to address its top priorities, with the budgets being heard today being the "best that the City will have". Joining the Committee at this time were Fire Chief Howard Buchanon, ll, Assistant Chief for Operations Jim Lopez, Assistant Chief for Services Mark Nowicki, Assistant Chief for Inspections and Fire Prevention Federico "Chico" Rodriguez, Battalion Chief of EMS Stephen Cox. Mayor Luecke stated that he has authorized the Fire Department to add $3 million back into their proposed 2010 budget from the cuts that they had made; and that he had authorized the Police Department to add $2 million from the cuts that that department had made. The Mayor further stated that the Fire Department will be applying for fire grants. He added that the Park Deparkment has also authorized the Park Department to add $900,000 back into their proposed 2010 budget; with the rest of the City Departments being "bare bones". Fire Chief Howard Buchanon, II stated that any fire grant money would be in addition to the proposed 2010 budget which they are presenting. Their MOU is for 248 sworn fire fighters; and the SBFD currently has 240 sworn fire fighters. The Fire Department projections are that they would have to use $800,000 more in overtime monies if these positions are not filled; plus the draft 2010 does not reflect any financial impact which may result from negotiations. If the Council had not passed the LOIT and Public Safety .Tax along with the County Council, the SBFD would be looking at the elimination of 44 positions; with all of those being sworn personnel except for one. Since the SBFD is already down eight (8) sworn positions, a total of 52 firefighters would have been affected. In response to questions from Council Member White, Chief Buchanon and the Council Attorney noted that they are continuing to work on a new user fee ordinance for the inspection bureau; which is being carefully crafted in light of the many statutes involved. City Controller Fanello stated that the SBFD budget which the Common Council has reflects the City Administration's suggestion to cut $4.4 million from the 2009 budget for the 2010 draft budget. In light of the passage of LOIT and the Public Safety tax, the SBFD has been requested to add back in $3 million of those cuts and return to the Council with an updated presentation.