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East Fork Fire & Paramedic Districts April 2011 Volume 9, Issue 2 |
From the Chief's Desk ...
Needless to say, the administration has been extremely busy working on everything from budgets to the implementation of the new radio system. We have been
participating in the state legislative process and work is underway on the development of a standard of cover for the districts. Contract negotiations will begin soon and preparations for the
wildland fire season will be next on the list.
Let me begin by updating everyone on the budget and budget process. First, I must extend my sincere appreciation to our Accounting Technician, Ellen Nelson, for all her hard work
on the budgets. While staff provides the input, Ellen keeps it all in order. We have prepared no less than 10 to 12 different preliminary budgets. While some elements were similar, the bottom
line seems to be a moving target.
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Chief's Desk Tognoli's Tutelage Prevention Perspectives Training and Safety |
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This year has been a challenge to say the least as far as our budget presentation. Revenue decreases in property taxes and sales taxes have been a challenge to
deal with. Our revenue streams rise and fall and are always subject to modification.
Let's not forget that the legislature is in session and is considering several bills with local government fiscal impact. With all that said, we have produced a tentative budget
which the Volunteer Fire Chiefs' advisory board has recommended for approval by the District Board. Our budget hearing before the board is April 5 and 6. We actually present our budget on
April 6, but we will be at the meeting on April 5 as well. I would encourage anyone with an interest in our budget, the budget process, and county budgeting in general, to attend. The meetings
begin at 5:00 PM both days. I also want to express my sincere appreciation to staff, the volunteers, and certainly the executive staff, for the extraordinary effort put forth to reduce our
spending, follow our cost containment plan, and for recognizing the fiscal challenges that we face. It was this effort that has allowed us to produce a balanced budget and one which has us
operating within our means at the present time.
The implementation of the new radio system has been completed. Special thanks go to Joe Turek, who has volunteered countless hours on this project as well as a high level of
professional expertise. Joe's work, along with the Douglas County Communications System staff and management, Ron Sagen and the 911 Department, Bob Kirk, Jeff Costa, and Chad Sheldrew
demonstrates the true meaning of team work. While it may take some time to feel comfortable with the new system and procedure, we have high expectations that communications will be more reliable
from more locations throughout the county. Great job to all!!
Now let's talk about something really exciting. The State Legislature. Just kidding. Actually, I am referring to the group working on one of our biggest Strategic Objectives, i.e.
the Standard Of Cover. I watched the dynamics of this group through the narrow window in the conference room last week and observed a group that is truly excited about this project. With
representatives from staff, management, the volunteers, Battalion Chiefs, County GIS and 911 Emergency Communications, this group is truly in a position to recommend and develop a future
direction for the way we do business and serve our community. We all need to get excited about this objective. If you have ever wanted to throw an idea on the table about how we provide our
services, here is your chance. My direction to the group was not to ignore a single idea and don't limit the measuring tool to just one standard. The work of this group is also important as the
County begins to prepare to revise the Douglas County Master Plan. A May 2011 deadline for a draft document has been set. I have very high expectations for the success of this project. I am sure
that the group will be providing some
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