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Spring Hill fire agrees to changes

Fire Rescue will follow the recommendations of a county audit that found fault with accounting and other practices.

By MARY SPICUZZA
Published May 27, 2005

SPRING HILL - The Fire Commission spent much of its recent meeting responding to the findings of the annual county audit. Some members were concerned with the county's harsh criticism of the department but willing to compromise.

Despite taking issue with some of the points raised by the auditor, the board voted to accept the suggestions. The audit, conducted by KPMG of Tampa, criticized Spring Hill's segregation of employees' duties, how it keeps track of money, and purchasing procedures.

As a result, the County Commission plans to discuss an ordinance that would establish greater financial control over Spring Hill fire.

At the Wednesday night meeting, Chief J.J. Morrison reviewed his administration's report on the audit with the fire commissioners.

"Again, I appreciate the auditor coming and talking to us," he told them.

His administration suggested following many of the auditor's recommendations.

For example, the report said the department agreed to change its policies on the segregation of duties dictating how payments are received.

"The procedure outlined by the audit has been in place for more than 12 years," read the department's response. Officials said they wasted no time in responding to the audit's findings.

"After discussions with the auditor, management saw no need to wait for a final report and implemented the recommendations on February 5, 2005."

As for keeping track of money, the department recommended that "the Board direct staff to work with County Finance on this issue and develop reports/procedures that comply with the auditor's recommendations."

Spring Hill fire also agreed with the auditor's recommendations about human resource management, but took issue with the audit's finding that improper management of human resources could expose Spring Hill Fire Rescue to potential liability.

The report said the department could "find no indications of suggested changes in this area."

Despite agreeing to the auditor's recommendations, some on the board suggested political motivations for the harsh criticism of Spring Hill fire.

"I hope none of this has occurred because of our refusal to go over to the dispatch consolidation," Commissioner Leo Jacobs said, referring to the county's plans for a centralized 911 center.

Mary Spicuzza can be reached at mspicuzza@sptimes.com or 352 848-1432.

[Last modified May 27, 2005, 00:40:18]