Maneuvered funding to provide four additional full-time firefighters in New Kent
Even before fiscal year 2016-17 budget cycle begins in New Kent, supervisors have already called a major audible to funding.
By a 3-2 vote, supervisors passed an amendment to shift $110,098.52 from the school set aside fund for construction to hire four additional full time firefighters for the county.
At the beginning of the June 29 morning work session, fire chief Rick Opett voiced the proposal to county leaders during a conference call. A handout showed that under the approved budget for next year, $268,237 was for part-time funding and staffing for fire stations in the county. The fire chief proposal recommended using that money to hire the full-time staff.
With three full-time positions already granted in the upcoming cycle, that number would rise to a total of seven. According to Opett, with the additions and current full time employees, all four current stations would be manned with 24/7 coverage around the clock, 365 days of paramedic coverage during the day, on call paramedic coverage during the evening and overnight hours, a full-time assistant fire marshal, and part-time logistics. The fire chief also added that the part-time positions would not be eliminated. A paramedic would be housed from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at Station 1 on Courthouse Road, with another stationed from 7 p.m.-7 a.m. With the inclusion of logistics, the organization would need the $110,098.52 to cover the cost, hence the request.
District Three supervisor Patricia Paige didn’t shy away from her opinion of the request, emphasizing this was something she thought could happen.
“When we worked with the budgeting process, I asked for the extra penny for situations like this,” she said, referring to debate over the tax rate decrease from 84 to 83 cents for FY2016-17. “Instead, we’re taking away from the school set aside funds for projects we know we will have in the future.”
District One representative Thomas Evelyn also had reservations, commenting about the debt the county is expected to incur with the approval of the fire station.
“I know we talked about the location of the new fire station and that will cost us around $1.8 million,” he said. “Then you look at the fact at that when it’s complete we’re going to have to purchase equipment and hire additional firefighters to man that station as well.”
Further talks revolved around the growth of the schools, something county administrator Rodney Hathaway addressed.
“We know that we will probably need a new elementary school in five to seven years,” he said. “Talking with [superintendent of schools] David Myers, he was concerned if the funds would be taken from operations or this set aside fund.”
Roundtable talks continued, with District 2 supervisor Tommy Tiller and District 4 supervisor Ron Stiers providing input on the situation.
“Right now I believe that these firefighters are what we need in order to provide safety to this county,” said Tommy Tiller. “When I voted on the tax rate to remain the same, it was to prevent taking from the schools.
“However, at this moment providing for the safety of our citizens is a top priority,” the District 2 representative concluded.
“I understand where Ms. Paige is coming from, but I know we were sworn in to do what’s best for the citizens,” said Stiers. “Nowadays, schools will cost at least $15 million to construct. Looking at this $110,000, that’s like a drop in the bucket when compared to that.”
With a motion made to move the funds, supervisors favored it 3-2, with Paige and Evelyn casting the dissenting votes.