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.
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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?
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Five Cities Fire Authority
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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…
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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
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In
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Ex
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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).
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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)
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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