2006-06-14 Fire Commission Minutes

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Chief Oliveira replied that Deputy Corporation Counsel Diane Noda is working with Bruce Coates on the agreement. The Carrus Foundation will be sending written correspondence that supports the donation of the ambulance. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None COMMITTEE REPORTS Budget & Finance (Matsuda) Committee findings on the comparison of all other Counties Fire Department administrations salaries. Commissioner Matsuda distributed a salary comparison of the counties annual budgets, the Fire Chiefs salaries, number of employees, services provided, etc. (See Attachments A-1, A-2) Also distributed was the Hawaii County Fire Departments actual wages for Fire Captains and EM for FY 04- 05, which includes overtime. (See Attachment B) Commissioner Matsuda reported that at least eight of the Fire Captains are currently making more than the Fire Chief. Additionally, four Fire Captains are making more than the Deputy Fire Chief. There is a definite disparity in the salary ranges for the Fire Chief and the Deputy Fire Chief compared to their subordinates. Commissioner Matsuda stated that he is concerned that individuals will not be motivated for advancement. In order to bring this issue forward to the Salary Commission, he attended their meeting and inquired on what the process would be. The Salary Commission will inform him of its next meeting. However, before attending the next Salary Commissions meeting, he would like to receive more information and be better prepared on what to propose. Commissioner Bertsch stated that the Fire Commission cannot tell the Salary Commission what they would like the Fire Chiefs salary to be. The Fire Commission needs to provide the Salary Commission as much information as possible and may suggest what they feel is equitable. The information that Commissioner Matsuda distributed should be presented to them for their consideration. Commissioner Okabe suggested that a presentation should be made with a poster board. He feels that the comparison should be made between Honolulu and the Big Island. The strategy should not only be the magnitude of the island but also the responsibilities involved. The first thing to point out is the responsibilities of personnel and the size of the Big Island in comparison of the other counties. 8