Going into this New Year, I would like to provide a recap of Sedona Fire District’s current financial status to-date regarding our fiscal responsibility. The overall budget reduction from Fiscal Year 2010 to Fiscal Year 2011 was 9.2%.

Total reduction to the taxpayers was 15.9% as a result of the decreased assessed values combined with a mil levy reduction from $1.55 to $1.40 per $100 of assessed valuation. Non-tax revenue from ambulance billing, the Regional Communication Center, tower rentals, etc. is projected at $2.1 million and tax revenue for property is projected at $10,557,215. The General Fund and Capital Fund balances will total $5,070,870 in reserve.

            The reductions from the past two years were a result of many cost-saving efforts. We currently have eight vacant positions, three of which were high ranking positions. Keep in mind the work from these positions was not eliminated, but absorbed by current staff. This alone is an example of the commitment and dedication from our members. In addition, we adjusted our health care coverage to increase employees’ cost share. We also eliminated eight vehicles along with the insurance costs associated.

Other items that supported our reductions included:

• Education Assistance Program – Reduced allowable reimbursement to 12 credit hours per year
• Eliminated weekly newspaper ads resulting in $12,000 savings
• Re-negotiated Verde Valley Fire Chiefs Association fees resulting in savings of $6,000
• Reduced all discretionary out-of-town travel by over 50%
• Reduced materials and supplies’ expenditures by 22%
• Rebid property and liability insurance for 8.5% reduction
• Reduced janitorial services contract

Additional strategies currently being implemented:

• Strive to reduce both backfill and discretionary overtime by at minimum 30%
• Pursue grant funding opportunities to support organizational operations
• Minimize outsourced printing
• Further reductions in janitorial services
• 60% reduction in cell phone reimbursement

Our organizational goals include cost-savings initiatives at the employee level to reduce operational costs.

We cannot ignore or remove the risks associated with the fire service; however, we certainly can be prepared and proactive in managing and being fiscally responsible to the Sedona Fire District and community we serve.

Please visit our new web site for further information at www.sedonafire.org.

Article submitted by Nazih M. Hazime, Sedona Fire Department Chief. Follow Chief Hazime each month on the SedonaEye.com. Subscribe today for free Sedona news and Calendar of Events!