West Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Andy Price has proposed a 2011-12 operating budget of $5.4 million, a 2.4 percent increase from WMFR’s 2010-11 operating budget of $5,287,500.
Wages and benefits comprise 86 percent of the proposed expenses and a cost-of-living allowance increase in salaries by 1.7 percent is included, Price said.
Because of changes in the state’s retirement system, some salaried positions have been adjusted to accommodate the required 3 percent contribution from an employee in the state retirement program, he added.
Price said he’s also allocating funds to the facilities account to renovate Station No. 2 on Cortez Road after Station No. 1 in Holmes Beach is remodeled. The Cortez Road station needs a new roof, among other improvements and repairs, Price said.
The first public hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at the WMFR administration building, 6477 Third Ave. W., Bradenton.