Board of Fire Commissioners meeting highlights

Commissioners accept the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Consolidated Budget.

Reno, Nevada. May 17, 2016. At Tuesday’s Board of Fire Commissioners meeting, the Board approved the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District’s Consolidated Budget for Fiscal Year 2016/2017. 

TMFPD Chief Charles Moore reported that the financial health of the District is excellent and the consolidation of Sierra Fire Protection District and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District is on track. On June 30, 2016, the Sierra Fire District will dissolve and TMFPD will assume the boundaries of Sierra on July 1, 2016. The consolidation of the Districts will create more financial and administrative efficiency going forward. The consolidation was made possible when the Nevada Legislature passed a bill during the 2015 legislative session.

The following are highlights from TMFPD’s FY 2016-17 Budget:

1. New budget maintains adequate reserves.

The District projects an ending fund balance of 24 percent (meaning reserves). The ending fund balance is a benchmark of financial health and sustainability and is an essential tool that the District uses to maintain consistency in the level of service provided to citizens moving forward.

2. Budget staffs all 11 fire stations full-time and adds new positions.

Chief Moore said the budget provides funds to staff all of its 11 fire stations 100 percent of the time. The District employs 126 full-time employees and has more than 60 volunteers helping out. The District will add an additional chief officer who will manage Advanced Life Support Emergency Medical Services, Training and Volunteer Services on a full-time basis. The District will also add a human resources specialist to assist with personnel services.

3. Budget funds new, life-saving technology.

The budget provides funding to replace all cardiac monitors with state-of-the-art devices. Chief Moore said chest compression devices will also be purchased which aid in the delivery of life-saving CPR.

4. Budget clears the way for the construction of new fire stations.

Construction for new fire station #14 is scheduled to begin this spring. The new station will be built on Foothill Road and Broken Hill Road, located in the southern part of Washoe County.

“The new station will replace a dilapidated station and move it to an area that will better serve our citizens,” Moore said. Additionally, Station 39 in Galena will be getting a facelift and remodeled crew quarters.

5. Budget includes funding for new structural fire engine.

Chief Moore said the District will also add a new structural fire engine and replace its aging heavy rescue vehicle. A heavy rescue vehicle supports a number of incidents where operational periods are extended. The vehicle carries specialized equipment for several types of rescue situations and will be capable of generating enough electricity and emergency lighting, so the District will be more prepared to respond to major disasters.

“This budget is representative of the Board of Fire Commissioners commitment to run an efficient operation under a plan that ensures financial stability in both the short-term and the long-term,” Moore said. “Our goal is to serve our citizens the best way possible and I believe this budget gives us the means necessary to accomplish that goal.”

Fire Commissioner Marsha Berkbigler (Dist.1) said she is proud of the FY 16-17 budget.

“Chief Moore, thank you for all your hard work on this,” Berkbigler said. “I appreciate that you have listened to this Commission’s concerns when putting this budget together. Also, thank you to all the staff. You guys are fabulous. Chief, I look forward to continuing to work with you in the future."

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