The Fire Department is responsible for Fire Suppression, Fire Prevention, Fire Alarm and Traffic Signal Maintenance and Code Enforcement. Core responsibilities include fire suppression, rescue, hazard abatement, fire prevention, code enforcement, maintenance of the fire alarm and traffic signal, department training and fire education.

This increase is primarily attributed to the funding for a 24-person fire recruit class, additional overtime funds and contractual payroll adjustments. OSHA mandated medical evaluations and drug testing are also funded. Department wide unbudgeted positions (16) were removed from the organizational structure. Fire Suppression overtime increased based on the current year spending pattern and projected staffing level for fiscal year 2000-2001. Also, the replacement of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) with integrated Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) alarms, the replacement ground ladders required to pass "load test" for safety, and the replacement fire hose and Class "B" foam to control flammable liquid fires and spills contribute to the increase. The adopted budget contains funds to continue outfitting fire houses with "no smoke diesel filtration systems" which reduce the concentrations of dust, carbon monoxide, and other airborne contaminants when engines are started inside fire houses.

In addition, the adopted budget includes the acquisition of additional portable radios to permit fireground communication with dispatch and among all personnel.  These radios will extend the department’s radio system life and provide enhanced fireground safety.


DEPARTMENT BUDGET SUMMARY: