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CC 2015-04-28 FCFA Presentation1 Fire Chief’s 90-Day Observations March 2015 Mission The Mission of the Five Cities Fire Authority is to provide the highest level of service possible by mitigating threats to life, property and the environment while meeting the growing needs of our communities. 2 Service Area •The Five Cities Fire Authority (FCFA) is the local Fire Department for the communities of Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Halcyon and Oceano. •The FCFA provides all-hazard, fire and emergency response services to over 37,000 residents across a 10 square mile response area. All-Hazards? 3 Five Cities Fire Authority 4 5 Efficiencies •Fleet –Downsized, reducing maintenance, and replacement costs •Reserve Firefighter Program –Consolidated program resulted in efficient/consistent recruitment, training and equipment program •Overhead Expense –Elimination of duplicative expenses, more favorable rates for workers compensation insurance, vehicle insurance VOLUME and TRENDS Increasing service calls drive “demand” and “capacity” constraints (simultaneous calls). •2011 -3012 calls for service. •2012 -3311 calls for service. •2013 -3366 calls for service. •2014 -3481 calls for service. The Silver Tsunami…Baby Boomers hitting retirement age…increased impact on the EMS system… 6 VOLUME and TRENDS Station 1Station 2Station 3Total% ofAuto/Additional AGGBOCEFCFATOTALMutual AidResponse Fire 24 30 26 80 2.6%20 EMS 759 794 599 2,152 70.9%207 Hazardous Conditions 38 42 37 117 3.9%4 Service & Good Intent 256 162 156 574 18.9%213 False Alarm 52 37 23 112 3.7%2 TOTAL -FCFA 1,129 1,065 841 3,035 100.0%44614.7% Total Response –Calendar Year 2014 Summary Assessment 7 In t e r n a l Ex t e r n a l Summary Assessment HelpfulHarmful •Professional and Well Trained •Citizen Owned / Citizen Operated •Doing More with Less •Community Outreach •“Newness” of Organization / Smart Growth •Staffing Levels •Aging Fleet & Equipment •Long Term Operational Funding •Aging Population •Public Perception of Government •Branding / Identity •Competing Priorities An Example… •Engine 1*1996 •Engine 4 *1996 •Engine 3 *2004 •Engine 2 2007 •Truck 5 2011 •Brush 1 *2000 * Research indicates replacement after 15-20 years to total service (active/reserve). 8 Those before me… “It was never believed, nor was it stated, that the development of the consolidated organization would save the cities money beyond what they were currently allocating for their respective fire departments. Rather, it was stated that the consolidation would result in a significantly more safe and efficient level of service for the community that would have never have been achieved working individually. Again, it was recognized that this minimum level of service would be more expensive as time went on, but would be far less expensive than if done individually.” Terry Fibich, Fire Chief (retired) Those before me… “When drafting the initial budget for the Five Cities Fire Authority it was apparent to all concerned that the organization would need additional funding for its on- going operational needs. It was felt the benefits from standardization of training, fireground safety and economies of scale would save money and enhance service to our communities. After the consolidation was completed, the FCFA Board of Directors directed my focus and energy in pursing a revenue measure.” Mike Hubert, Fire Chief (retired) 9 Wrap-up •The organization is young (almost 5 years old), and capable of a “smart evolution” •The employees provide professional and compassionate service to our communities •Vehicles and Equipment are aging and require replacement •Staffing levels are constrained •Technology playing increasing role in service delivery Wrap Up