Agenda Item Name:
Title
Approval of Rural Fire Agreements
End
Presenter:
Harold Theus, Chief
Description:
Approval of the Interlocal Agreements for Fire Suppression & First Response EMS/Rescue services between Alachua County and Rural Municipalities
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve and sign the Interlocal Agreements for Fire Suppression & First Response EMS/Rescue services between Alachua County and Rural municipalities
End
Prior Board Motions:
At the August 9, 2018 BoCC meeting, Commissioner Hutchinson moved that soon after October 1, 2018 that the County Manager returns to the Board with some parameters with how to revise the way of funding fire services.
At the December 4, 2018 BoCC meeting, Commissioner Cornell moved the following:
1. Continue fully funding each non-municipal department with increases not exceed Consumer Price Index (CPI).
2. Negotiate contracts with Municipal Departments based on Cost per response $605.48 to find this Tier Level 1 Service for Lacrosse and Micanopy and that we negotiate contracts with Municipal Departments on Cost per response of $713.39 based on that level of service with Newberry and High Springs and we negotiate long term contracts for 3 to 4 years depending on what County Manager Lieberman brings back in her recommendation.
3. Request Interim Fire Chief Harold Theus to bring back his assessment of the Capital Equipment for the Non-Municipal Stations (Cross Creek, Melrose and Windsor) and add Lacrosse Station within 90 days.
The motion carried 5-0.
At the March 26, 2019, BoCC Meeting, Commissioner Cornell moved the following:
A. To reaffirm commitment to 1 and 2 listed below:
1. Continue fully funding each non-municipal department with increases not to exceed Consumer Price Index (CPI).
2. Negotiate with Municipal Departments based on cost per response $605.48 to find this Tier Level 1 Service for Lacrosse and Micanopy and that we negotiate contracts with Municipal Departments on cost per response of $713.39 based on that level of service with Newberry and High Springs and we negotiate long term contracts for 3 to 4 years depending on what County Manager Lieberman brings back in her recommendation.
B. That the County looks at the one time capital needs in conjunction with the Budgeting process with the Alachua County Fire Rescue request. As part of that request the County considers potentially program replacement funds into the Alachua County Fire Rescue budget.
C. Direct staff to work with Cross Creek and Congressman Yoho on any additional capital grants that are available and bring those opportunities back to the Board for consideration.
D. Direct that local stations get first right of refusal on County surpluses equipment. Allow local stations to purchase through the County Purchasing process to achieve savings.
The motion carried 5-0.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
FY20 Contract amounts are as follows:
City of High Springs $336,506.00
City of Newberry $206,883.10
Town of LaCrosse $248,731.00
City of Micanopy $189,515.24
Town of Cross Creek $263,120.00
Windsor Volunteer Fire Department $263,120.00
Melrose Volunteer Fire Department $263,120.00
End
Background:
For many years the residents of Alachua County have benefited from established cooperative partnerships between rural fire departments and the County. This year, staff was directed to negotiate contracts with all seven rural providers. Four of the providers are municipal based fire departments and staff negotiated a cost per response methodology with a 4 year term. For the remaining three departments, which are located in unincorporated areas of Alachua County, a fixed price was negotiated to ensure 2-person staffing, 24 hours per day.
All contracts contain language stating that annual increases shall not exceed the Consumer Price Index (CPI).