HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 05 12 Regular ADD ON 602 Fire Consolidation with Seminole CountyCity of Winter Springs
Regular Meeting May 12, 2008
051208_COMM_Add_On_Regul ar_602_Fire_Consildiation_W ith_County
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COMMISSION AGENDA
ADD-ON
ITEM 602
Consent
Informational
Public Hearing
X
Mai 12, 2008 MGR. / /DEPT.
Regular Meeting Authorization
REQUEST: Mayor Bush requesting the City Commission to discuss fire consolidation
with Seminole County.
PURPOSE: This agenda item is needed to discuss the option of fire consolidation with Seminole
County.
CONSIDERATIONS:
Based upon action taken by the legislature to further limit property tax revenues, consolidation of
fire services with Seminole County has taken on a much higher level of priority.
FUNDING: N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Commission discuss the fire consolidation as an alternative for dealing
with the long term financial stability of the City's General Fund.
ATTACHMENTS:
COMMISSION ACTION:
Date: May 12, 2008
The following was read during ADD-ON
Regular Agenda Item "602" by Mayor John F.
Bush at the May 12, 2008 City Commission
Regular Meeting.
~~~~~~~~
MAY 1 2 2008
CITY OF VdiN r~-. ~-+ Sr'riiNGS
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
The CITY OF ALTAMONTE SPRINGS
May 12, 2008
City of Winter Springs
1126 East SR 434
Winter Springs, FL 32708
Attention: Mayor John Bush
Dear Mayor Bush
• WE ARE PEOPLE WHO CARE ABOUT PEOPLE •
The City of Altamonte Springs merged its Fire Department with that of Seminole County
on October 1, 2002. This occurred after a year of study by a committee of both City and
County representatives. The study determined that substantial savings would result
from the consolidation of the two departments and that there would be no resulting
reduction in the level of service to residents in either the City or the County.
It has now been 5 '/z years since the consolidation occurred and our experience has
been totally positive. As the study projected, we have achieved significant savings with
no reduction in the level of service to our residents. In fact, in the 5'h years since
consolidation, I have not received a single complaint regarding the fire service in
Altamonte Springs.
I believe that the success we have had with the Fire Department consolidation between
the City of Altamonte Springs and Seminole County can be instructive. However, I also
know that every city is unique and that what worked so well for us may work differently in
other cities.
Based on the Altamonte Springs/Seminole County consolidation experience, I believe
the subject absolutely is worthy of serious study and open-minded investigation by other
cities in Seminole County. Given the revenue constraints placed on cities by the
economy and legislative action, it may be more important now than ever before to look
into ways to reduce the cost of this important government service.
As always, we would be pleased to assist you and your staff with additional information,
so please do not hesitate to contact us as you move forward.
Sincerely,
Russel E. Hauck
Mayor
Office of the City Commission 225 Newburyport Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32701 407/571-8121