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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 117 09/20/2011 2010-2012 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE DATE: September 20, 2011 Re: Comm. No. 353/Res. No. 147-11 PLACE: Council Chambers Kona, Hawai`i TIME: 11:07 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawai`i County Council Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 147-11, reports as follows: Resolution No. 147-11, transmitted by Finance Director Nancy Crawford via Communication No. 353, dated September 7, 2011, authorizes the payment of funds of a later fiscal year and of more than one fiscal year for a multi-year lease for two (2) fire apparatus (fire trucks) for the Hawaii Fire Department. The County of Hawai`i wishes to enter into a multi-year lease agreement for five (5) years, for two (2) fire apparatus (fire trucks) at a total cost not to exceed $23,500 per month or $282,000 annually. Deputy Director of Finance Deanna Sako and the Fire Department Accountant Robert Belcher appeared before Your Committee. Several Members of Your Committee expressed their support for leasing the two (2) fire apparatus; however, some members are concerned that the "not to exceed amount" stated in the resolution is too high and therefore inappropriate. Ms. Ford spoke against the resolution, stating that it is premature. She feels because the Hawaii Fire Department has not provided any specifications for the Request for Proposal for these apparatus, they are not clear what they are asking for nor on how much money they will need. She also requested Ms. Sako to clarify if purchasing fire apparatus is an allowed use for fair share funds. Members expressed the concern that if the "not to exceed amount" is at a higher level, then vendors will be encouraged to bid higher. Some members mentioned that perhaps the lease cost should be left out of the resolution as in previous practice. Ms. Sako informed Your Committee that the amount stated in the resolution is based on the best information possible, working with the Fire Department. Mr. Belcher confirmed this, and cited purchase prices for apparatus obtained in previous years. FC Report No. 117 FC-117 Page 2 September 20, 2011 Chairman Yagong suggested amending this resolution to include a lease plan that would price the apparatus at $800,000 each. He also suggested that in order to save the tax payers money, perhaps the Council can find the money to purchase the apparatus rather than leasing it. Mr. Yagong mentioned that he will put forth an amendment for consideration at full Council, pending information received from administration. For information purposes, Council Member Blas voted "kanalua" twice. Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 147-11, and recommends its adoption. be AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted, BLAS X FORD X COMMITTEE ON FINANCE HOFFMANN X IKEDA X ONISHI X 9711--/- PILAGO X SMART X BRENDA FORD, CHAIR YAGONG X FC REPORT NO. 117 YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: OCT 0 5 2011