Title:
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Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a Resolution implementing Budget Amendment Request (BAR) #25-025 in the General Fund and Fire Protection Fund to transfer $135,000 from reserves to add 4.0 FTEs to optimize Emergency Communications and enhance Community Paramedicine; and approve the addition of 3.0 Emergency Comm Dispatchers and 1.0 Firefighter FTEs. Countywide (Timothy Jecks, Management & Budget Director) Requesting Department - Fire Department
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Division:
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Fire Department - Fire/EMS Operations
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Authorized By:
Timothy Jecks, Management & Budget Director
Contact/Phone Number:
Davison Heriot/407-665-7177
Background:
BAR 25-025 will amend the FY25 budget in the amount of $135,000 split between the General fund and the Fire Protection Fund. $85,000 will be funded through General Fund reserves, $50,000 will be funded through Fire Protection Fund reserves, and account for six months of salary and fringe benefits for each position.
The Emergency Communications Center has experienced a significant increase in call volume and responsibility over the past decade. The addition of three Emergency Communications Dispatchers will enable optimal staffing for call-taking and dispatching during high-volume call times. This increased staffing level will enable supervisors to remain available for the duties associated with their positions, which include ensuring oversight of call-takers and dispatchers and monitoring daily operations. The Emergency Comms Dispatchers will be funded through the General Fund. General Fund Reserves are currently budgeted at $53.4 million.
Since its launch in 2021, the Community Paramedic program has experienced a marked increase in demand, with a growing number of service requests, underscoring its essential impact on patient care and community health. The Community Paramedic program plays a crucial role in delivering advanced, community-focused healthcare services designed to minimize hospital readmissions, enhance patient outcomes, and support vulnerable individuals managing chronic conditions. This program emphasizes preventive care, health education, and tailored interventions in non-emergency settings, offering vital support to both individuals and communities. The additional firefighter position for Community Paramedicine will be funded through the Fire Protection Fund. Fire Fund Reserves are currently budgeted at $28.1 million.
Requested Action:
Staff requests the Board Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a Resolution implementing Budget Amendment Request (BAR) #25-025 in the General Fund and Fire Protection Fund to transfer $135,000 from reserves to add 4.0 FTEs to optimize Emergency Communications and enhance Community Paramedicine; and approve the addition of 3.0 Emergency Comm Dispatchers and 1.0 Firefighter FTEs.