Fiscal Note
The 2005 Operating Budget includes funding for a Spring recruit class of 8 firefighters to staff Station 11. The Council adopted a resolution (RES-05-00584) on July 5, 2005, which authorized a transfer of $134,000 from permanent salaries to overtime pay because the Spring recruit class was not held. That resolution noted that the Fire Department would request authorization to increase the size of the October recruit class and would then review expenditure and revenue levels to determine whether an additional appropriation would be required. Budget projections now indicate that an appropriation of $39,000 from the Contingent Reserve will be necessary. Funds are available in the Contingent Reserve; the current balance is $678,900. There is no impact on the tax levy or State Expenditure Restraint Program eligibility limits.
Title
Authorize the increase of the Fall firefighter recruit class from 8 to 16 recruits and appropriating $39,000 from the contingent reserve to the Fire Department's operating budget.
Body
The 2005 Operating Budget approved a recruit class of 8 firefighters to fill positions to staff new station 11 upon completion. The class was not conducted due to the unavailability of an eligibility list. A fall class is scheduled for October 10, 2005 for these positions and positions that are estimated to become vacant by retirements in 2006.
The Fire Department has reviewed it's Operating Budget and at this time belives funding is available for the permanent salaries and benefits. We currently have 9 vacancies and anticipate 7 retirements in 2006. However, funding is needed for overtime salaries with benefits existing in the current operating budget. Additional funds for recruit class expenses will need to be appropriated to conduct this class. Unforseen circumstances such as major incidents, a severe winter, and other operating expenses may impact the current status of our budget.
Therefore be it resolved, that the Common Council approves the increase of the Fall Firefighter recruit class from 8 to 16; and
Be it still further resolved, that $39,000 be appropriated from the contingent reserve for the following accounts:
GN01-55710-722110-Uniforms $6,600
GN01-54671-722110-Medical Services $11,200
GN01-55120-722110-Subscriptions & Books $1,850
GN01-55110-722110-General Work Supplies $2,239
GN01-54967-722110-Memberships $1,372
GN01-54641-722110-In-Service Training $3,159
GN01-54901-722110-Other Services $180
GN01-51300-722110-Overtime Salaries $12,400