Cuts seen in fire budget
From our weekly issue dated April 9, 2008
A balanced budget of $961,807 for fiscal 2008-09, reflecting reductions in numerous areas including salaries, was accepted 10-0 by the Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD) Budget Committee.
The committee, consisting of the five IVFD directors and five citizens-at-large, met at administrative HQ on Wednesday night, April 2. Whether to adopt the budget will be considered by directors on May 8.
Attending last week’s 90-minute meeting were directors Larrick Jones, Jerry Lamb, Bob Butler, Dusty Bouchard and Sam Michel; and citizen members Joe Malcolm, Jackie Farless, Sally Palmer, Linda Butler, and Marilyn Arnold.
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Also attending were Chief Harry Rich, Deputy Chief Jeff Gavlik, Fire Marshal Jerry Schaeffer, Maintenance Battalion Chief Kris Sherman, Executive Administrator Robin Paulson, and Assistant Adminstator Delaine Sherman.
The budget proposal is comprised of $935,962 in the general fund, and $25,845 in reserve funds. The current tax rate of $1.87 per $1,000 of assessed value would remain the same for the next fiscal year beginning July 1.
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“The district takes pride in its economical use of its funds,” said Rich in his budget message. “However,” he said, “we continue to face challenges of facilities and apparatus that remain in dire need of replacement, refurbishing or renovation.
“We continue to search for programs and resources that will ensure stability within the organization for future growth in and out of the district.”
Because IVFD is facing a reduction in income, because some county property taxes are not being paid to Josephine County, the chief took a voluntary $10,000 pay cut. It could be restored should the funding crunch be remedied.
Additionally, to save money: The paid staff has had its medical and dental insurance coverage reduced; and there will be no merit raises or cost-of-living adjustments in compensation.
As well, vehicle repairs are being curtailed; and funding for educational programs is to be reduced to $5,000 from the current $20,000.
“We’ve chopped as much as we can wherever we can,” said Paulson, executive administrator. Other areas among many where the budget figures have been reduced include uniform allowances, professional services, legal expenses, lights and power, hepatitis prevention, insurance for volunteers, advertising, apparatus maintenance; office equipment, fire-fighting tools; and education, travel and training.
Rich has stressed that IVFD staff and volunteers will continue to provide the best service to valley citizens possible, despite a reduction in income.
