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Orange County budgets $151 Million for Fire Rescue Department

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By County Commissoner Bryan Nelson

Fire rescue is a vital resource for Orange County residents. The services the Fire Rescue Department provides not only save lives, but also conserve our environment and preserve valuable property. The Fire Rescue Department’s budget for FY 2016-2017 is $151 million. This is a 1% increase over the current year. Revenue for the Fire Rescue Department comes predominantly from a fire specific property tax which is levied to all non-exempt properties in the unincorporated area of Orange County. The FY 2016-2017 Fire Rescue budget is designed to keep up with county growth while simultaneously maintain responsible response times, and ensure the safety of citizens and freighters.

County CommissionerBryan Nelson

The Fire Rescue Department acquires additional revenue through the Special Revenue Fund. The Special Revenue Fund is made up of a variety of fees. Fees that are directly appropriated for fire rescue include the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transport services fees, false alarm fees, hazardous material recovery fees, and Fire Marshal fees. EMS transport fees are projected to increase $972,143 for a total budget amount of $16.2 million. Overall, EMS transport fees have increased by 3.0% in an effort to keep up with the industry. Additionally, revenue acquired through the General Fund also supports the Fire Rescue Department, and grants acquired through the Office of Emergency Management under the Fire Rescue Department are also part of the operating budget.

Expenditures for the Fire Department include personnel services, operating expenses, capital outlay, capital improvements, and reserves. Personnel services are projected to expand for FY 2016-2017. This includes a 3.5% salary increase for employees in an effort to keep up with the Florida Retirement System rates approved by the State Legislature for employer retirement contributions. Employee health insurance contributions increased as part of the budget from $9,400 and $10,200 per employee. An additional $100 for a one-time wellness screening per employee enrolled in the Orange County health insurance plan is also included in the budget. The Fire Rescue Department is hoping to increase its number of employees by hiring for 26 new positions for FY 2016-2017. This increase in personnel will promote operational efficiencies, maintain the current level of services, and provide staffing for a new fire stations being built as part of the INVEST in Our Home for Life initiative.

The INVEST in Our Home for Life initiative is a $300 million initiative aimed at providing quality infrastructure, vibrant neighborhoods and quality housing, enhanced recreational opportunities, and new public safety facilities among others. As part of this initiative there are $30 million in funds for the construction of three new fire stations, replacement of fire apparatus and equipment, and funding for a regional training facility.. Construction of the new fire initiative is budgeted at $18 million, $7 million for new fire equipment and apparatus, and $5 million for the new regional facility. There are two County-owned sites being evaluated for the first planned fire station, Station 67. One is located at Dean Road and Winder Trail and the other at University Boulevard and Lake Twylo Road.

We at Orange County are proud to invest additional dollars in three new fire stations to reduce response time.

The training facility would be built in partnership with Valencia College and its School of Public Safety. The current facility used for training is outdated and in need of replacement. Several Fire Rescue Departments in Central Florida would collaborate in the building efforts of the training facility that would include a burn building and an array of other fire apparatus and search and rescue equipment. Fire departments involved include Kissimmee, Maitland, Ocoee, Orlando, Orange County, Orlando International Airport, Osceola, Winter Park, and Winter Garden. Valencia students would be able to use this facility to practice an array of drills including live fires, high angle and rope rescues, search and rescues, confined spaces training, and pump operations.

Bryan Nelson sits on the Orange County Board of Commissioners and Represents District 7 which includes Apopka and Northwest Orange County.

 

Orange County Commissioner Bryan Nelson, Orange County Fire Rescue

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