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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0124.061 2004-2006 ,y~rr w y~, Y~ iY .s Harry Kim Darryl J. Oliveira Maynr Fire Chief :~,p,~rj` Desmond K. Wery i Deputy Fire Chie/ I' ~ ~ountp of ~aiuaf `f FIRE DEPARTMENT 25 Aupuni S[ree[ • Sufte 103 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 (808) 96I-8297 • Fax (808) 961-A296 May 27, 2005 Mr. Stacy K. Higa Council Member Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni Street, Room 209 Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Council Member Higa, In light ofthe proposed program budget adjustments, I would like to submit the enclosed information and recommendations on behalf ofthe fiscal needs ofthe Fire Department. Specifically, [would like to address the proposed unfunding of vacant positions with the associated salary and wages being reassigned to the Council's contingency fund account for future reallocation. As identified in Councilwoman [sbell's proposal are a total of nine currently vacant uniformed staffpositions. These include: • Three Assistant Fire Chief positions • Four Fire Fighter positions • One Fire Prevention Inspector I[ position • One Fire Prevention Inspector I position With respect to these identified positions, 1 would request consideration ofthe following: 1. The three vacant Assistant Fire Chief positions represent three of the six Operations Division chief officer positions whose essential functions and responsibilities include the daily management, coordination, and oversight of emergency operations personnel and resources. The duties and responsibilities ofthe Assistant Fve Chief also include the response to, and direct management of multiple company or unit incidents, such as brush and structure fires and mass casualty incidents. Comm. No. ~ Z- ~ ~ ~O ( ~~ti copy Ref. To: Prese:sw<d Rsf. Uate ,111N 1 9(lfl$ t Hnwal'f Cmntty rs nu t goal Opportunity Provider and Fruployer. Mr. Stacy K. Higa Page 2 May 27, 2005 Since the retirement of the individuals who held these positions, the performance of the essential duties and responsibilities have been maintained through the temporary assignment of qualified personnel. Although consideration was given to permanently filling these vacancies, given our planned and anticipated reorganization and its dependency upon the acquisition ofthe currently approved new Battalion Fire Chief positions (2), promotions were postponed. Presently, the downward reallocation of four of the existing Assistant Fire Chiefpositions, the establishment ofthe two Battalion Fve Chief positions, and the promotion and filling of all vacancies is targeted for July 2005. The proposed unfunding of the three Assistant Fire Chief positions would have an immediate and direct impact on the daily operations and management of critical emergency services by restricting the temporary assignments and associated delegation of responsibilities, as well as disrupting the planned reorganization of the Fire Department. 2. The identified Fire Prevention Inspector II and Inspector I positions are also part of the Fire Department's reorganization plan and are targeted for filling in July 2005. The vacancy of these positions are also attributed to retirements, and based on the planned reorganization remained vacant, however, temporary assignments have also been utilized to account for and maintain the services and functions ofthese positions. The proposed unfunding of these positions will have an immediate and direct impact on the operational etJ'ectiveness ofthe Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement missions ofthe Fire Prevention Bureau. Given the current and anticipated construction trends and the participation and involvement ofthe Prevention Bureau with plans review and permitting and site and construction inspection, the unfunding ofthese positions may have a direct impact on meeting the increasing public service demands. 3. The identified Fire Fighter positions represent portion of the total fire fighter position vacancies. As of April 16, 2005, we have a total of 47 Fire Fighter position vacancies. As previously mentioned, the budget format and process does not illustrate the true and overall picture of ow salary and wage assignment or expenditure. Although we have 47 Fire Fighter position vacancies retlected in the budget based on actual and permanent position number assignments, we currently have two Fire Fighter Recruit classes (total of 37 Fire Fighter Recruits) in various stages of training. Mr. Stacy K. Higa Page 3 May 27, 2005 While these 37 recruits are in training, they are assigned temporary or TP position numbers which aze depicted as "unfunded." The funds that aze utilized to hire and employ the recruits are associated with the vacant permanent positions. Therefore, in actual salary and wage appropriations and allocations we have only 10 vacant Fire Fighter positions which we plan to fill by September 2005. The process for hiring these candidates has been initiated and is currently neaz completion. In summazy 1 would like to request your consideration of not implementing the proposed '~nfunding" of the identified positions. This action will have an immediate impact on the operations of the Fire Department and further delay our planned and approved reorganization. However, in consideration of the intent and objective of the proposal and the realization that we currently have 10 Fire Fighter position vacancies which will remain vacant until September, I would suggest any consideration ofposition unfunding focus on these positions as they will not have an immediate effect on our service delivery. The actual positions would be identified based on the least potential impact to service delivery and operational effectiveness. realize that the proposed budget amendment is intended to assure fiscal prudence and accountability and assure you that we share in this philosophy; however, I am obligated to inform you ofthe consequences and impact this measure will have based on the positions identified. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at your wnvenience. Sincerely, AR QLIVEIRA Fire Chief DO:Ik