More than a million dollars in taxpayer money is at stake.
A proposed $1.4 million purchase of a new administration building drew opposing views April 16 from district commissioners during the first meeting on the proposed 2019-20 West Manatee Fire Rescue budget.
Another money issue — about whether and how much to raise WMFR’s assessment — also was met with differing opinions.
WMFR sold its administration building at 6513 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, to eliminate debt, downsize and acquire a facility designed to withstand a hurricane, according to WMFR Chief Tom Sousa.
The move to headquarters at the Palma Sola Presbyterian Church was billed as temporary.
There will be more talks on both issues after staff research.
Sousa and Battalion Chief Ben Rigney — named incoming chief effective in November — presented the budget based on an assessment hike of 2%, which Rigney said would bring in an additional $145,000.
The commission will be able to review and adjust the proposal because the budget is not adopted until August, according to Sousa. An increase in the assessment also would need commission approval.
The current assessment brings in $7.26 million for the district that serves almost 20,000 parcels, including properties on Anna Maria Island.
A proposed new building
Under a proposal presented April 16, $1.4 million was budgeted for a new “hardened” permanent facility with staff offices, training facilities and meeting rooms that would double as a westside emergency operations center for storm or other disaster situations.
Commissioners debated the need for the capital outlay, with Chair David Bishop leading the discussion by asking Al Robinson, WMFR’s liaison to the island cities, whether he would ask the municipal leaders to consider contributing to the new building.
Robinson, however, changed the discussion to whether a capital outlay was necessary.
“I’m sitting here and it blows my mind that we’re thinking about building another building for $1.4 million. Why do we want to do this?” Robinson asked.
He also spoke in favor of remaining in the temporary offices at the church.
“We’re doing this church a service, helping them survive, keeping money in the community,” he said.
The district is paying $3,500 per month on an annual lease for 3,500 square feet, according to Rigney, who said the district also has the option to vacate during the contract year.
Commissioner George Harris said he’d favor the new building if it was saleable for another use if WMFR merged with another district.
The ability to sell the building is important, Commissioner Larry Jennis agreed, adding that while an administration building could be repurposed, he was uncertain about the market for an EOC.
“I think our immediate need is as an administrative office and westside EOC,” Commissioner Randy Cooper said, adding a merger is too speculative.
Important to Bishop is having a facility suitable to protect the computer equipment and other assets.
The consensus among commissioners was it is too early to approach the island cities about a westside EOC.
“Really there’s no existing property at any of our three stations,” Sousa said about permanent relocation options.
“I think it’s insane to spend big money for seven people,” Robinson said, referring to the number of current WMFR staff.
Cooper, Harris and Sousa pointed out more personnel would relocate to an emergency center in the event of a disaster, including city officials from the island.
“You can always do ‘what ifs’ and you can never do enough. You have to ask what’s practical,” Robinson added.
Sousa summarized the commissioners’ questions for staff research:
- What is considered a “hardened” facility?
- What size building is needed?
- How many people will work day-to-day in the building?
- Do we want to be owners or renters?
- In the event of a merger with another district, could it be sold?
- How would the building operate as an emergency center before, during and after a hurricane?
- How would Manatee County emergency operations benefit if the building becomes a westside EOC?
The proposed assessment hike
Robinson also took a hard line about raising the assessment rate, saying he favored no rate hike despite the 2% increase recommended by staff.
The increase would impact residential and commercial assessments.
According to Rigney, residential customers currently pay $5 per 2,000 square feet, while commercial customers pay $13 for the same area.
Rigney said their research indicates the surrounding fire districts are proposing more of an assessment increase than WMFR.
Another consideration is the cost of collective bargaining.
The firefighters’ union and the administration recently negotiated a 3% increase in wages.
Sousa said WMFR may have done “too good of a job” in its negotiations, noting a recent salary comparison of area districts showing WMFR on the low side. The district should prepare for bargaining that could raise union firefighters’ wages, he said.
By a consensus of commissioners, the staff was directed to provide a budget breakdown based on no increase, and 0.5%, 1.5% and 2% increases.
The district employs 35 firefighters — three inspectors, six paramedics and four administrative personnel, including the fire chief — to serve an 18-square-mile area with 19,824 parcels.
WMFR will meet in a workshop and a regular meeting Tuesday, May 21, at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively, upstairs at the Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton.