|
Highlights of
the 2009 Vigilant Fire Co. Budget
The average homeowner in the
Vigilant service area will see a $25 increase in the
cost of their fire and/or EMS protection in 2009 – less
than 7 cents per day, per household more than 2008.
The total Vigilant budget for 2009
is $2,679,855 - just over 9% more than the prior year.
For the 2007-08 duty year, which
ended on August 31st, Vigilant responded to a
total of 2,297 fire and EMS alarms.
1,900 of these calls were medical
emergencies, representing an over 15% increase in EMS
runs from the prior duty year, when 1,642 EMS calls were
logged.
The 397 fire runs for the 2007-08
duty period reflects a 5% increase from the prior year.
To properly handle the receipt and
dispatch of these additional calls for help, Vigilant
will be adding one additional full time employee in
2009.
In addition to helping with the
growing emergency communications duties at Vigilant,
this new staff member will also be trained in emergency
medical techniques, allowing him/her to assist in
responding to ambulance calls, and will also perform
routine maintenance tasks in the firehouse between
alarms.
This additional full time employee
will allow Vigilant to maintain the high quality of its
emergency response services and represents approximately
one-third of the increase in the Vigilant budget for
2009.
About one-quarter of the increase
in the 2009 Budget is tied to fixed costs beyond the
control of the fire company. (i.e. Increases in fuel and
other energy costs, increases in insurance premiums,
etc.)
A small percentage of the 9% increase is earmarked for
the proposed conversion of Vigilant’s current volunteer
retention program from an insurance-based program to a
fire department Length of Service Awards Program. (LOSAP) |
