Council Action Requested:
Consider the Town of Kershaw's request for the County to increase its funding support for staffing of the Kershaw Fire Department.
Points to Consider:
The County has an annual Intergovernmental Fire Rescue Service Contract with the Town of Kershaw whereby the County, in part, agrees to assign three full time fire rescue service employees to the Town Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. and fully fund one of the three positions. The Town will annually pay the County the cost for the other two full time positions.
Last year the County did not pass on the across the board raise for the two firefighters in the contract, nor does the county pass on the various costs it covers for Kershaw and the other departments, including station utilities expenses, apparatus purchases and maintenance costs, back up generator support and fuel costs for some of the apparatus, along with specialized training and rescue gear, plus general supplies support and pump and ladder testing.
Funding and Liability Factors:
The FY 24 contract, with the Town paying for the stipulated two positions, will total $211,651 as it reflects the new pay structure for Fire Rescue staff.
The cost for the County to provide the one contract-identified position will be approximately $105,825 for salary and fringe benefits in FY24.
The costs covered by the County, outside of the one staff position support, can average $42,000 a year for Kershaw, depending on apparatus cost amortized and annual maintenance needs.
Recommendation:
This item is for discussion only regarding the Mayor's letter and Town request. No motion is needed, if County Council wants to maintain the current contract language with the Town of Kershaw, whereby the County funds one firefighter position for the Kershaw Fire Department.