HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 2554 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 2554
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To the Mayor and Members of the City Coun it September 9, 1975
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x'b Subject: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET
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Two questions have been asked regarding the Fire Department and this
report attempts to provide information concerning those issues.
Question No, 1: What would be the additional ccs- abDve the pr,-posed
budget if the reorganization of the Fi.e Disp.stc.h
and Fire Prevention activities were pha=.ed ire through
attrition by transferring the excess s_ni:r officers
to the vacation relief pool thereby saving acting
officer pay?
Implementation of the re3rganization will result in a temperary overage
of 6 Captains and 2 Lieutenants. Carrying these excess positions for
the full year would result in an increased cost of $137,980. This
additional expense would be partially offset by the rrtiremeiits cf some
officers including 2 Captains and 2 Lieutenants, Deleting the estimated
salary for these four retirements for the balance of the year after
their retirement, and deleting the savings which ®ould be realized
through using these senior officers instead cf .acting officer pay results
in a net increase in cost of $71,424 for th_ 1975-76 year.
It is estimated that fully phasing in the changes through attrition
would require approximately 2 1/2 years. There would, therefore, be
some additional cost for the 1976-77 budget and the 1977-78 budget.
Question No,, 2: Provide an analysis of the uniform allowance for Fire
personnel,
There have been several studies concerning the uniform allowance provided
Fire personnel. These studies vary considerably as to the cost of
providing uniforms and protective equipment for firemen based on different
estimates of the useful life of the equipment, There have been reports
of bunker coats being worn out in 2 years as well as reports that they
last as long as 15 years. A great deal would depend upon the number of
responses a fireman makes and thus the wear that a bunker coat receives.
Coats and other items actually damaged beyond repair during a fire are
presently, replaced at City expense.,
One alternative suggested by the firefighters has been that the City
provide the protective clothing„ New helmets and banker cuts currently
on the market are made of light weight and safer materials. It is
estimated that the City could acquire this new equ pment for all of the
firefighting personnel for approximately $70,000. This would relieve
the firemen of the burden of replacing their bunker coats and helmets
for several years and would provide the lighter weight and safer equipment..
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 2554
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a To the Mayor and Members of the City Council September 9, 1975
V �0
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Subject: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET
119
A detailed study of the uniform allowance is under way, and will be
concluded as soon as possible, attempting to reach a conclusion on the
estimated life of various items of equipment. It is suggested that the
City Council tentatively allocate $70,000 for this purpose, with the
Councils final decision to be made upon completion of the study.
Should City Council desire any additional information on this subject,
please do not hesitate to ask.
Respectfully submitted,
R. N. Line
City Manager
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ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS