Fire plan frees up money, but adds other perks too
Published September 16, 2003
After years of refusing to even entertain the possibility, the Brooksville Council has asked the Hernando County Commission to make a proposal to take over the city Fire Department. The council has attached several stipulations to its inquiry, and today the commission will consider whether to forward, or possibly amend, its staff's response to the city.
Thecounty's comeback appears to satisfy almost all of the city's concerns, including the primary, which is cost.
The city now allots $1.2-million a year to run its own Fire Department. According to Hernando County Fire Rescue Chief Mike Nickerson, the county can provide the same level of service at an annual savings of $570,000 for Brooksville residents, and it would not result in any additional expense to county taxpayers.
That alone is reason enough for the council to surrender responsibility for fire protection and accept the county's proposition to lease the equipment and firehouse for 10 years. Given its strained financial situation - the council just levied a 10 percent tax on electricity usage, raised water and sewer rates and came very close to raising the property tax rate - it would be irresponsible to not make the switch.
The cost of fire protection for the city-run department is already prohibitive, and that outlay will only increase. The council's decision to expand the city limits to include a huge residential development on U.S. 41 to the south will guarantee it. The city probably would need to build and equip another firehouse to serve the community, Southern Hills Plantation.
But this decision represents more than money, as some advocates of retaining the city Fire Department have characterized it.
The county also would increase the department's staff to include an ambulance with a two-person advanced life support team, and a ranking paramedic. That could save lives, not just money.
In addition, under the county's proposal, almost all city Fire Department employees would receive pay raises. Only three employees, all recent hires, would be cut from full-time to part-time status, although they would be given preference as jobs became available, Nickerson says.
Council member Joe Bernardini first floated the idea of turning the Fire Department over to the county last year. At that time, he was chastised by other council members for daring to discuss the notion independently with the county administrator. It was a reasonable suggestion then and it makes even more sense now. Council member Joe Johnston III also deserves credit for favorably exploring the option and building consensus for it among his colleagues.
As they discuss the next step in the process today, county commissioners should not allow past animosity stemming from unrelated issues to cloud their judgment. This is an opportunity neither the county nor the city can afford to let pass.
