CITY OF LABELLE JUNE: 5, 2023  FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET WORKSHOP  CALLTOORDER  Mayor Wilkins called the workshop to order at 4:01 p.m. A roll call was taken. Members present were Commissioner Hugo Vargas, Commissioner Bobbie Spratt, Commissioner. Jackie, Mayor Julie Wilkins Commissioner Jackie Ratica, and Commissioner Daniel Akin. Commissioner Vargas spoke the invocation. City ofLaBelle Fire Department Chief] Brent Stevens addressed the Commission and introduced the visiting ChiefStevens then explained to the Commission his need for additional full-time firefighters due to the increase inj population, resulting in an increase in calls. He also mentioned that many ofmany City trained part-time firefighters had left the fire department to go to other areas where full-time positions were available. Hei noted that between the additional coverage area and mutual aid, they had a significant increase He explained that there had been no reimbursement from Glades County for the mutual aid calls. He believed that the agreement was being reviewed by Hendry County and Glades County tol bring it up to date. He noted that the last mutual aid agreement was in 2008 and that there had been no reimbursement in fifteen Chief Stevens provided statistics and percentages of call areas and volume, as well as an inventory oft the  Commissioner Spratt led the pledge of allegiance. Fire Chiefs that were to speak later int the meeting.  in call volume.  years.  Fire Department's vehicles.  Attorney Derek Rooney noted action items:  1. Renegotiation with Hendry County for reimbursement for mutual aid 2. Part-timers utilizing the City for career firefighter training  Chief Stevens informed the Commission that the number ofs staffn needed to respond to a house fire is 14.1 He noted that the average staffing for al house fire in the City ofLaBelle is eight people. He told the Commission that there had been 25 house fires in a five-month period. Hei noted that the past year's average ofhouse fires He explained the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) response standards to the Commission and Chief Stevens explained how the insurance premiums in the area directly reflected the fire rating given by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). He stated that the City ofLaBelle's ISO: rating was a six and gave There was discussion on interlocal agreements with the County. Chief Stevens told the Commission that the rates would change in the upcoming year. The County would be responsible for 67.9% ofthe fire budget and the City ofLaBelle would be responsible for 32.1%. There was then conversation on how the percentages  was 12.  then informed them oft the current response times of the fire department.  examples ofhow to make the: score better.  were calculated, and what the County's tax assessment was.  Discussion continued on ISO ratings and how to improve the City's score.    Chief Stevens listed some ofthe public events the fire department attends in which the fire department'st time isti time donated. He explained that exposure helped educate the public about fire prevention. There was then  discussion on possible grants that could help with the funding ofthe fire department.  There was then conversation on increasing the fire tax assessment.  Immokalee Fire Control District ChiefN Michael Choate addressed the Commission and provided the Commission with a similar situation he experienced in Hardee County. There was more discussion about the importance ofimproving ISO rating and possible revenue streams for the fire department. Commissioner Vargas asked ChiefChoate was the driving factor helped Hardee County the most. Chief Choate named several factors including turnout times, response times, and an MSBU. ChiefChoate explained how the Immokalee Fire District was funded entirely by ad valorem taxes and grants. Commissioner Vargas asked Chief Choate was his recommendation was to get the fire department where it needed to be. ChiefChoate recommended slowly transitioning to a paid department and expanding the Josh Rimes told the Commission the need for full-time firefighters, and the need toi improve the ISO rating. There was discussion on whether or not the City could piggyback on the County's tax assessment. Attorney There was conversation on interlocal agreements with the County for services provide outside the City The Commissioners expressed their appreciation for the volunteers in the fire department and the need to be There was discussion on the stipend provided for the volunteer firefighters when they go on calls. Conversation returned to possible increases oft the fire tax assessment and then turned to impact fees.  facilities.  Derek Rooney explained the process ofincreasing the assessment.  limits.  proactive to make changes.  Commissioner Ratica motioned to adjourn. Commissioner Vargas seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 5:301 p.m.  Mayor Wilkins re-opened the meeting at 5:31 p.m.  Discussion continued on possibly raising the fire tax assessment. Chief Stevens presented his proposal for additional full-time firefighters.  Commissioner Vargas expressed bis appreciation for the firefighters and agreed that additional full-time staff  would be needed for the fire department.  2    Attorney Rooney noted his concerns that the assessment would have to match the County's assessment Fire Chief Choate. asked for clarification on the agreement with the County. He also suggested that the Ity was decided that Chief Stevens would return with the budget options reflecting 11, 14, and 22 full-time  increase.  MSBU could be adjusted yearly according to the CPI. firefighters at the next budget workshop.  Commissioner Vargas motioned to adjourn. Commissioner Ratica seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 5:49p p.m.  APPROVED:  pod  Commissioner Daniel Akin, Vice-Mayor  Attest:  uali  3