The Sedona Times reprints this communique of March 12, 2010 for context.

“For The Facts, Ask the Fire Chief”

The Sedona Fire District has 115 professional members that are assigned to an Executive Team of three, overseeing 12 divisions.

The District is comprised of one appointed official, the Fire Chief, 71 Firefighters, and 44 non-emergency personnel. The District protects approximately 180 square miles of which 22,000 residents reside, and approximately 4 million tourists visit annually.

I cannot speak to what has occurred prior to my arrival. I do know the Sedona Fire District was operating without a Fire Chief for approximately one year. I certainly had a lot of questions and I am still getting my arms around the whole Fire District and the operations.

Six months ago when I first met with the Governing Board, they provided me with direction. I have been on course with their requests and will continue to sustain open communications with the Governing Board. Many of the items the Board and I discussed relate directly to our budget and those items are being addressed. The District has made significant budget reductions and changes, and will continue to do so as needed.

Concerns raised by some residents seem to revolve around finances but, I believe some may not understand the impact that could affect the quality of services or additional cost to our citizens. I assure the Governing Board and the taxpayers that we are being fiscally responsible and will continue to move forward in the best interest of all.

We have reduced the Fire District fleet by five vehicles and we will continue to monitor the usage of our remaining fleet to make further reductions, if necessary.

We have reduced our budget from $15.9 million in Fiscal Year 2008/2009 to $15.2 million in Fiscal Year 2009/2010. We will also reduce our budget from Fiscal Year 2009/2010 to $13.9 million for the next Fiscal Year 2010/2011. This is a reduction of $2 million which equates to 12.5 %. This also includes Contingency of $600,000, Capital of $551,251, and Debt Service of $155,069 for our ladder truck and 12-Lead Heart Monitors.

The overall overtime budget was reduced by 15.6% from Fiscal Year 2008/2009 to Fiscal Year 2009/2010 with the Discretionary Overtime Budget reduced by 33.6%.

We are reviewing all positions vacated through attrition to determine whether to fill them or to make adjustments in staffing and responsibilities. Currently, we have six vacated positions.

The Sedona Fire District cannot ignore or remove the risks associated with the emergency services. However, we certainly are prepared and proactive in managing the various emergency challenges, and being fiscally responsible to the Sedona Fire District and the community we serve. I encourage and welcome community residents and business owners to contact me directly for any concerns or more detailed information regarding the Sedona Fire District. My telephone number is 928-282-6800 or visit our website at www.sedonafire.org for accurate information.

Nazih M. Hazime

Fire Chief, Sedona Fire District