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December 3rd, 2007
There were no Hummers purchased by the City. This is the word from the City. Of course they did buy the trash truck and it seems they will continue to buy Crown Vics. You know, it is a guy thing. Since some Florida police departments use compact vehicles and it seems that even those who use larger vehicles have switched to Impalas, you would think we could also save the money.
No Hummers brings to mind the question of why we have a SWAT team or a K-9 unit. Some think that we have these functions only to augment the salaries of policeman and not for any reason that advances public safety. The SWAT team from the County is available when needed and smaller trained dogs can sniff out drugs if that is the principal use. The liability of the K-9 contingent is immense as can be seen from the material published on a website that tracks court cases where judgments were entered when something went amiss with either the officer or dog (Google k9 court cases). Most of these incidents are settled, so that judgments are just the tip of the iceberg. Hey, it can happen here. One of our dogs, we are told, went berserk and shredded the front and back seats of a prized crown vic. What might happen if this dog decided to attack a small kid at the middle school? We would rather think of something more pleasant.
W-2S REVISITED
The W-2's published over the last few weeks are again presented this week as an EXCEL file so that you can manipulate the data as you wish. Additionally, we provide a number of analyses regarding pay and benefits. We have added charts in columns showing each employee and the percentage of increase that includes the benefit package for each employee. NEW LINK
The Definition of a Hero
December 21, 2005
Tonight, I learned the definition of what a hero is. Since I was a child I have always known the technical definition of a hero as being a person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life; however, I have heard the term used so freely by the government in the times of war as either a propaganda technique or as a way to consul grieving family members that somehow it lost its meaning.
The last time that I visited my parents a family friend was killed fighting in Iraq. I really didn’t know him extremely well but the idea of someone that I knew dying really hit home the idea of war. I felt sorry for his family but was angered by the way that the news portrayed his death. He was one of two men killed in his troop on the same day; however their deaths were portrayed differently on the local news broadcast.
Small Town
I come from a small southern town where wealth meant status and people often cater to those who they perceive have power. My family friend came from a wealthy family and the other guy who died was a man from a non-notable family. The news said that my family friend was a hero and spent fifteen minutes discussing the details of his death and showed photos of a military funeral and focused on the idea that he was a hero who had died for his country. The segment for the other guy who died was approximately three minutes long and they did not say that he was a hero but that he was a solider and a father of three and showed images of his son playing on the headstones. My first thought was that the television station focused on one being a hero and the other a father because of the status that each of their families had in the community. I carried this thought with me several weeks.
In these times of war, the line of being a solider and being a hero can often be blurred until you learn and listen to the story behind the words. Tonight, my mother called me and informed me why they called our family friend a hero. Our friend’s parents were told that he was killed from a shot to the head. However, when he arrived back in the United States, there was no wound to the head. His parents thought that it was a noble thing to fight for your country but they didn’t know why people were calling him a hero. They found out that he had died not from a wound to the head but he died by jumping on a grenade to save his troop.
Strange Comfort
Knowing that he died to save others strangely comforted his friends and family because he went to war on a mission to give back to others. Our family friend, was a man who held degrees from notable institutions and had the respect of his friends and family, but what meant most to him was respecting himself and knowing that he had made a difference beyond the community walls that would open doors for others internationally.
On the battlefield, political boundary lines and biases are often forgotten and personal respect emerges. Last week, President Bush recognized him for being a hero because he gave his life for his country. Bush acknowledged that our family friend hated going to war, and that our friend didn’t vote for Bush or believe in his politics but that he did fight for freedom and died fighting for his country and protecting his men.
Two weeks after his death, his family received the last letter that he sent home. The words in it were strangely prophetic that if he must die that it should be helping others. They found a poem in pocket titled “Don’t Quit.” He carried it with him in his pocket and it was torn and faded but it was said that he read it every day to remind him of the joy of every failure and that out of every struggle and loss springs hope and opportunity.
There are many different points of view towards the war in Iraq. However, no matter your political philosophy or personal opinion towards the war when someone you know dies it makes you realize how precious life is and how quickly it can be taken away. Securing precious resources and political allegiances take a backseat to understanding one man’s fight for what he believes in.
Friends
When I reflect on war and my friends, I really hate to see the kids that I went to Military Balls with at Virginia Tech or that I watched play football or was in cheerleading with in high school die. However, I admire them all that are fighting for a belief in their country and posses a bond with people that I cannot imagine.
I do not know the people that he saved or the circumstance that our family friend found himself in when he saved his men. However, I do understand that somewhere tonight there are families that are grateful for our family friend and I know that above all he will always live through the people that he saved. Having a belief that someone did not die in vain can inspire hope in those that must live on.
Conclusion
Tonight, I learned that being a hero cannot be explained in words but it must be internalized and given a story to come alive. Learning the definition of what a hero is comes at a heavy price. The price is measured in tears and struggle. Our family friend who died told his family that he went to war because he realized that he had been blessed with so many opportunities in life and wanted to give back to others what he had been given. He gave the ultimate gift: LIFE
Copyright © 1991-2005
NOTES
We are amused at the detractors who continue to belittle the Shadow for its effort to enlighten the electorate about the issues confronting the City and to spotlight the wasteful expenditures that siphons money from the taxpayers’ pocket. The Shadow cannot stop fire department personnel from abusing overtime, and it is clear that they have no concern for the taxpayer when they do. They view it as an entitlement The City Manager has reduced the abuse, and the Commission eliminated the needless and, to say the least, $13,000 annual “gift” to Cindy Richenberg as the fire department's Public Information Officer. We believe the County should look into how many other fire departments have created this “position” to augment the salary of other really "deserving" fireman at the expense of the taxpayer. Hey, and do not forget what changes were made at the 911-RCC after the Shadow disclosed their gross mismanagement and what looks like a $600,000 a year rip off. OK, we only managed to achieve a $300,000 reduction of the bill this year, and we only have another $300,000 to go. Just a few thoughts about what we think is a fire department poster on the Blog for those who want us to go away. We will go away when there is no more theft of taxpayer dollars to worry about. Around Christmas time we will publish both our wish list for next year, as well as a 2006 tally of what action we think the Shadow forced the City to take in reducing fraud, waste, and abuse with regard to city resources
Certainly our readership fluctuates. It goes up when we publish a new PDF such as we expect will happen in February when we publish the new W-2 chart for all City employees and the edition when we publish the W-2 chart for the Utilities Commission. These are big hits for this little bucolic town and our readership goes up. But keep in mind, even after one deducts the hits on the Blog and the monitors to keep some of the more potty mouthed posters in line, the Shadow still reaches over 1000 readers a week in its worse week. Nor can we resist commenting that the articles published are based on facts, and if anyone thinks the facts are skewed, we have stated on many occasions that we will publish unedited responses. When the current Commission votes to build the needless fire station that will cost you millions of dollars, remember that they refused to even revue and examine the statistics that show no increase in public safety. The irony here is that service to the Peninsula avenue crowd goes down when that station is opened.
“Best Blog of the Week”
(Edited for grammar and punctuation)
A POTPOURRI OF CITIZEN COMMENTS IS
AGAIN PROVIDED THIS WEEK IN ORDER
FOR YOU TO GET IN TUNE WITH THE
MOOD OF OUR READERS
Monday, 11/26/07, 5:51 AM the looting occurred after Vaden and Turano left. The looting has and is being done by the new board.
Monday, 11/26/07, 6:19 AM Everyone come to the City meeting tomorrow night and watch our new Mayor give her spouse a second $10 million to blow.
Monday, 11/26/07, 8:43 AM Friend, NSB, Titusville, and lots of fl towns have always been similar layout, design, economy, appearance so forth. Smyrna is bit nicer, but your perspective makes me think you and the wife also enjoy plastic surgery & botox...This area will never be the town you envision--it's already fine.
Monday, 11/26/07, 8:59 AM oh will you all please stop with the charm nonsense. Don't forget where your income comes from, I haven't. We all love to hate the Yankees and the developers, but in the end we have always survived on the income that they bring here. Don't bite the hand that feeds you, we should be glad they show interest in this little town, remember how much of a dump it was in the 80's? I'm proud to be pro-growth, I'm proud to be an NSB native, and i'm proud to be the only one on this site who can spell.
want a good laugh
Monday, 11/26/07, 12:25 PM MySpace.com - IAFF Local 2271 - 99 - Male - NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FLORIDA - www.myspace.com/local2271 please feel free to check this site out. Here are your local firefighters doing what they do best. who ever started this page must be very proud
What is the plan if we lose?
Monday, 11/26/07, 3:48 PM the United States of America is not a pure democracy. The majority does not rule. The founders would not sign the constitution until the bill of rights was added. The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution states: ¿nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.¿ Some Federal judge in Orlando is not going to care if we elected space alien, a lady whose ink is hardly wet on her citizenship papers, and a surfer dude with a double digit IQ to our city commission that has made an incomprehensible mistake and subjected the city huge takings judgment. He is just going to think we certainly should have seen it coming. What the hell are we going to do if we get hit with a $70,000,000 judgment? It’s not like we get a do over. Once you have done the taking you cannot give it back and ask for our money back. It is too late. Gummy gets in his corvette and drive back to Daytona. It is not going to show up on his tax bill.
Tuesday, 11/27/07, 4:18 AM Ms MacKay promised more "transparency" in our city government. Okay, Sally, put the City Commission meetings on the internet. This would be at no cost to the city. We would then be able to see and hear our elected officials in action. Actions speak louder than words.
Wednesday, 11/28/07, 6:18 AM When a construction worker falls off a building, or a Forestry worker gets killed by a falling tree, his buddies don't use their deaths to ask for money! BUT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DOES! And you are right, that is disgusting!
Wednesday, 11/28/07, 4:46 PM Judge Litt provides copies of city records with his news stories. He does not ask you to believe him. He asks you to believe your own eyes.
Thursday, 11/29/07, 5:54 AM If Mayor Sally is for full disclosure as she claims and is able to make unbiased decisions with regards to the Utilities Commission while her husband is Chairman, she should have ask for the ten million bond issue to be delayed until the question of commingling funds and weather the projects are needed is answered. Vaden's proposal to Sally looked straightforward to me. Does any one have a copy of his remarks? I was unable to get a copy.
DEAR JOHN
Steve Dennis, Executive Vice President
Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce
115 Canal Street
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Re: Lease for 115 Canal St.
Dear Steve:
I have undertaken the thankless task of working out the terms of a lease with you for the City property occupied by the Chamber for over the last few decades at the favorable rate of $1 per year. I have always had trouble understanding why the City should subsidize some of its more affluent citizens or as it turns out a large number of businessmen from other nearby cities, but this has been the practice in the past and that is water over the dam, or as they say in business an opportunity lost. The situation now is that the City has a great need to increase revenue from all of its enterprises including leased properties, as well as to cut spending. As you are aware, we have been encouraged by our citizens to begin leasing our properties at fair market value, as required by State law, and yours is the first lease to be negotiated under this new policy.
The City Commission has directed me to negotiate a new lease for this property that is more favorable to its citizens. To this end, I have requested an appraisal of the building and have tried to determine if there is justification for not establishing your rent based on fair market value which in New Smyrna is about $10-12 a square foot. The new lease will also require the Chamber to assume responsibility for maintenance and undertake the repairs that apparently have been neglected over the past 25 years. We may be able to help you with grants if you are interested. However, I am confident your 850 members are ready willing and able to contribute the required resources to accomplish these repairs.
Last, there is recognition that the Chamber helps promote the City's interest and that we should use the lower rental price point when calculating the rent. For 5875 square feet of space, that would equate to approximately $5,000 per month for rent plus taxes, insurance, and a reserve for maintenance.
Sincerely,
John Hagood, City Manager
City of New Smyrna Beach
Administrative Office Building
120 North Causeway
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168-9985
WHAT A DEAL?
This is a pretty good deal...........retire....get a pension check......keep working. Get a paycheck......and while you work.....the pension check keeps getting bigger and bigger!
Edgewater council to talk with pension board
By KELLY CUCULIANSKY
Staff Writer
EDGEWATER -- The City Council will meet Tuesday with the General Employees Pension Board to discuss changes to a retirement plan that could cost the city about $1.22 million to fund next year.
About 57 employees are enrolled in a closed pension plan that allows them to retire, collect a pension and continue to work for the city while accruing additional benefits. Half of them are currently taking advantage of this option.
Funding this option in 2008 could cost the city about $1.22 million -- almost half of Edgewater's payroll budget.
With the city's weak financial condition after an aggressive run to fulfill capital needs, the City Council has directed the manager to make money-saving changes to the plan, which closed to new members in 1996.
During the meeting, potential changes will be discussed. Affected employees will have the opportunity to voice their concerns to the board and council. Formal action, however, will not be made because it is a workshop discussion between the groups.
"It's going to help make the determination as to what the ultimate outcome will be," said city paralegal Robin Matusick.
Decisions must be made by the City Council before the first reading of the budget and property tax rate on Sept. 10, Matusick said.
As a member of the plan, Matusick said she hopes the a decision soon.
"I just feel that we need a quick resolution to go forward," she said. "And if I'm one of those members that in a way is punished or penalized or have benefits taken away, it doesn't mean I will do any less work for the city . . . and I would hope every other employee would do the same."
The benefit was written into the plan in the 1970s, said Jack Ascherl, the city's insurance broker. Originally, workers could take advantage of the benefit at age 65 or after 30 years of service. It was designed as an incentive to retain experienced workers. Later it was changed to age 55 or 25 years of service. But with so many workers using the benefit, it began causing a serious cost to the city, Ascherl said.
The city's contribution practically doubled compared to last year after the city's actuarial company, Principal Financial Group, recalculated when employees would retire. The company assumed only 40 percent of the city workers would use the benefit, instead of all of them.
The public meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Community Center, 102 N. Riverside Drive.
ps
I would be a little concerned if you have any money invested with the Principal Financial Group!
PRETTY DUMB DOWN HERE!
It ain’t the economics, stupid, it’s politics.
Government in Business
Captain Bligh
I read with interest the articles from Mr. Denmark about the Marina (Island Voice) and about the Golf Course (Shadow). He is accurate about the loss of taxpayers’ money. To further expound on the issue, one must look at the politics. If it was just the economics, then logic might be used to convince the Commissioners to not get into business. Consider two new City run businesses, the City Marina and the Water Taxi. One can categorically state, “It’s all about politics.” Look good to the voters and pals.
City Marina
At the request of the Commissioners, the City released a Request for Proposal (RFP) to manage the Marina. Five groups of local business operators responded. One group, was formed by three local business leaders.
They studied the rates for marinas in Daytona Beach, Titusville, Vero, Cocoa, etc. and set them at a slightly higher level due to
Our proximity to the Inlet… a sport fishing boat or cruiser takes over an hour to get to the inlet from Daytona Beach. The fuel savings is not insignificant- a sailboat takes nearly 2 hours;
2) Easy access off of I-95/44;
3) New floating docks.
They projected a minimum profit of approximately $200,000; to be shared 50-50 with the City.
The proposals were examined by a committee of the City Manager, a Commissioner and the Public Works Director. The proposals were then ranked and submitted to staff for a recommendation. Their proposal was the winner. The Mayor’s pal was third in the rankings. He let the group know where he stood (Politics).
When the City Manger presented the winning proposal to the Commissioners, the Mayor asked: “Why are we doing this?” to which the City Manager replied, “Well, we were just following your instructions.” The Commissioners then decided that they’d like to receive all the “profits” rather than share them with a management company. It politics.
No no, don’t tell me.
The City Commissioners then hired an ex-commissioner to manage the marina (as a consultant). Did I mention that he had just lost his re-election bid for Zone 2? …And he was owed a few favors. It’s Politics stupid.
But wait, there’s more.
The Commissioners then decided to offer slips at a much lower rate than we proposed. Why? It’s politics … look good to the voters. So they left a lot of money on the table. The taxpayers’ money.
Water Taxi
The Water Taxi is a fun ride. It is not economically viable. Neither is Votran. The Proposal and business plan to run the Taxi was created by the CEO of the Marine Discovery Center. The proposed a fare was $10.00.
But wait, there’s more.
At the last minute, the Mayor, during roll call voting said he’d vote yes IF the rates were set at $8.00. To give the “local citizens a break”. Why? It’s politics … look good to the voters and pals.
Well at $10, the Taxi could make some money, at $8 it lost money. (Rate was finally raised to $10 after the busy season had passed)
The Taxi grant is taxpayers’ money. As soon as the grant is exhausted, it’ll fold and the vessels revert to the Federal Government. Ridership is good, but the costs are just too high to make it a going concern. The vessels are not going to last 5 years. They were chosen at the insistence of the Mayor over the objections of the management team. They were over a year late in delivery and are not well suited for salt water. Politics? You be the judge.
To make matters worse, the Taxi is of little benefit to New Smyrna Beach. Ridership is 90% northbound. The primary beneficiary is the Town of Ponce Inlet, specifically Inlet Harbor Restaurant and Down the Hatch Restaurant (great places all). While some folks do ride to New Smyrna Beach, they get off at Canal St. and come back complaining that there is nothing to do and (on weekends) most shops are closed. The stop at Riverview has had minimal visitors.
Think about it. If you want to visit New Smyrna Beach, why would you drive from Daytona, Ormond, Port Orange, etc. to Ponce to get on the Taxi. You can drive directly to New Smyrna Beach in less time.
Golf Course
The same is true, I’m sure about the Golf Course. Why? It’s politics … look good to the voters and pals.
Airport
The airport is another example of largesse gone amuck. Favorable lease terms, no penalty for late payments. Why? It’s politics … look good to the voters and pals.
Utilities Commission
That subject is not something I am familiar with, but it appears the public is being abused all in the name of Politics. The forays into Internet Services, WiFi, etc. are just plain dumb. Why? It’s politics … look good to the voters and pals.
Summary
So we have five “enterprises” in our small city and all are problematic. Good business practice takes a back seat to cronyism, looking good for the voters and Politics. Politics trumps economics. I could write much more about the specifics of poor government management, especially lack of basic P&L sense, marketing and fiscal planning and control, rate setting, staffing and pay, etc.
By the way, many cities across our fruited plain run enterprises successfully and competently. Just not here. Why? It’s politics … look good to the voters and pals.
RUN ON THE BANK
Withdrawals by municipalities from the State run liquidity fund were suspended on Thursday by the Florida State Board of Administrators after a run on the bank. Kathy Eichinger, the New Smyrna Beach Financial Director, withdrew all of the City's money before the funds were frozen, and, while not good for the State Fund, was a very smart move for the City. Our $15,000,000 is now safely invested elsewhere. Now that is what we consider a competent, loyal city employee. Is there a reward for competence in our personnel policies?
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF SOUTHEAST VOLUSIA COUNTY
We published this note in October. We have decided to reprint it now that the
City Commission has refused to renew the Chamber of Commerce of Southeast Volusia County's lease for $1 annually for the City building on Canal Street.
“3. We are not amused that the Community Redevelopment Board, that includes Steve Dennis who is the Executive Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce as a CRA board member, is proposing to refurbish the building that the City has provided to the Chamber since the Great Depression for $0 (zero) per year. Hey, they have used this building for next to nothing for almost seventy years. Why use tax money to fix it up. Why are the Chamber members not holding bake sales, ponying up a percentage of profits from each member, or otherwise raising money instead of filching for tax money. The Shadow does think that the building should be restored; however, we believe a better use of the tax money collected by the CRA should be applied toward paying the City’s revenue shortfall this year instead of giving money to the Chamber. Moreover, they should have been reserving funds and performing building maintenance over the years as repayment for the largess of the City. “
Understanding the Mayor’s Office in Council/Commission-Manager Cities, Specifically New Smyrna Beach, Florida
By Ken Taylor
Part lll
This series of articles draws heavily on an article published in the fall 1985 issue of Popular Government magazine, Institute of Government, UNC at Chapel Hill, NC, by James H. Svara.
This series of articles is offered as a means of enlightening the public about our form of municipal government, and to provide an understanding of the mayor’s responsibilities and roles in that government, so they can cast an informed and well reasoned vote at election time. In Part l, we discussed the Nature of the Mayoral Office and the Variety expected of the person holding this office. In Part ll, we discussed several roles and responsibilities the successful candidate must understand and embrace. In Part lll, we will continue to explore roles and responsibilities.
Organization and Policy Guidance
In the roles considered so far, the mayor must stress communication and coordination, whereas the group of roles to be discussed here involves influencing the direction of city government affairs and the content of policy. As goal setter, the mayor should propose goals and objectives for commission and manager, identify problems, and set some tone for the commission. Some mayors keep track of a set of key objectives so that the commission and the manager orient themselves to accomplish those priority items that have been have established.
The mayor may also be active as an organizer and stabilizer of key relations within city government. He should guide the commission to recognition of its roles and responsibilities. He helps to define the pattern of interaction between commission and manager, monitors it, and suggests adjustments. The sharing and separation of responsibilities between the commission and manager in this form of government is a complex relationship. The mayor is uniquely situated to control it and better able than any other official to correct it, if change is needed. For example, the mayor may advise the manager to bring more matters to the council or fewer; he may intervene with a commission member, who is intruding into operational matters, or he may seek to alleviate tension between the commission and staff before a series rift develops, always mindful of our “sunshine law.”
Finally, the mayor may be a policy advocate. As an active guide in policy-making, he develops programs and lines up support or organizes opposition to proposals. In these activities, the mayor most closely resembles the executive mayor’s public persona as the city’s problem solver. The chairman mayor has a potential for policy leadership that is not sufficiently recognized. Still, the mayor should be aware that advocating policies must be balanced with the other roles, and not pursued to the exclusion of others. He must proceed subtly and more indirectly than the executive mayor, who can launch a new proposal with a press conference and has executive resources for building coalitions. Still, the chairman mayor can influence the perspectives and decisions of the commission and the manager. Especially if he is a mayor elected directly by voters, as is the case in New Smyrna Beach, rather than a commission member who has been elected to mayor ship by his colleagues, as is our vice-mayor.
Promotion
In theory, and distinct from the functions already discussed in the mayor’s role in promoting and defending the city, he may be involved in external relations and help secure agreement amongst parties to a project. For some mayors, the promoter role is a simple extension of ceremonial tasks. Others are active initiators of contacts and help develop possibilities for the city. As official representative, the mayor has extensive dealings with officials in other governments and may serve as a key participant in formulating agreements with state or federal officials, developers, and others who seek joint ventures with city government. The mayor may also take the lead in projecting a favorable image of the city and seek to "sell" others on investment in it.
A Christmas List for the Taxpayer
A fair and affordable contract with the firefighters’ union.
No retirement benefits for retirees before age 55 or if you will, eligible for retirement payments at the same age as Social Security.
How about a fair contribution to their pension plan.
Proper rent and proper assessment for property of both the Boat and Ski Club and the Anglers Club.
Business like management of City owned enterprises.
Limiting of subsidies for the richest folks in town, like the golf course and marina.
Force the 911-RCC to run efficiently or merge it with the County 911 system. If the County will only charge under $400,000 we should not pay the RCC one cent more.
Eliminate at least three commanders at the police department, and review why we need 9 detectives.
Cut the costs of the City Attorney's office by half---say the cost in 2003 plus inflation and growth.
Do not spend the taxpayers’ money to build a needless fire station.
Do not spend the taxpayers’ money, and ask for matching funds from the County which is more taxpayer money, to build Bet Fish a parking garage.
Fix the Utilities Commission. The City Commission ruined it.
We did not elect the current Commissioners, you did! Contrary to what some think, as a publication we really do not care who won. We do care if the newly constituted commission continues to throw away your money, and refuses to fix any of the problems facing the city. You should too since it is your money raised through direct or indirect taxes.
FIREFIGHTER BENEFITS NOW AND WHEN?
The City is currently in negotiations with the IAFF local. As usual the union is putting forth their demands and the City is responding. However, the Shadow believes the public should be aware of the salaries and benefits that form the baseline for these discussions. As you can see, their extant compensation package is very generous. We recommend that you review and analyze this information, and personally advise your commissioners as to how they should respond to the union’s demand for additional compensation, i.e., how much of your money should they give away?
CITY OF NEW SMYRNA BEACH
FIREFIGHTER BENEFITS
Health/Dental Insurance
City pays 100% for employee and 0% for dependent coverage.
Health
Employee has choice of Florida Health Care (HMO) or Aetna (QPOS).
Dental
Pacific Mutual – 2 cleanings and 1 x-ray/year. 80% Preventative – 50% Major.
Life Insurance
City pays 1 x your annual salary (max. $100,000).
Supplemental Life Insurance per State of Florida. (in line of duty only).
Short Term Disability
If employee is injured off the job, employee has 2 week waiting period and then is paid for up to 13 weeks of disability. Maternity leave is treated as any other illness, but is generally paid for 4 weeks after the 2 week waiting period unless the doctor states otherwise. (2/3 City, 1/3 Employee PL time).
Retirement
Defined Benefit Plan through The City of New Smyrna Beach Fire Pension Board. Normal retirement is age 55 and completion of 10 years of service or 25 years service at any age. Earn 3% credit per service year. Employee pays 1% of salary. Employee contributions are considered qualified (tax exempt).
Personal Leave
Employee will accrue 202 hours of personal leave in the first year up to 5 years. Accruals will increase with years of service. Employee can use one week of personal leave after 6 months.
Longevity
Employee will receive 24 hours of pay after 5 years of service. Longevity will increase as years of service increase.
Holidays
11 paid holidays (1 includes employees Birthday).
This article published last Jan 8, 2007, was originally submitted as a blog by a concerned, knowledgeable citizen
It is time the cities and county look at privatizing fire services-their salaries and benefits are out of control
Fire protection services today are provided by private firms in half of Denmark, much of Arizona, and a growing number of communities in Tennessee, Georgia, Oregon, and a number of other states. The success of private companies in providing quality fire protection services to these communities is consistent with the broader experience of private firms that operate in a competitive environment, and thus are capable of delivering a wide range of municipal services, at a lower cost than public- sector providers deliver. Whether private fire protection is provided on a subscription basis to individual home- and property owners, to a special district, by contract with municipal governments, or by contract with commercial airports, a common set of innovative, efficiency-enhancing practices is used. Fire protection services are highly labor-intensive and are characterized by long periods during which no calls or service take place. Thus, cost- effective practices generally focus on ensuring that fire service employees are utilized efficiently. The private sector has developed three key practices that set it apart from public-sector fire provision. These are:
(1) The use of a mixed force of full-time and reservist firefighters (so that fewer full-time salaries must be paid) and;
(2) Cross-training and multi-service provision, so that the same emergency-service personnel, equipment, and stations can provide more than one type of service, thereby spreading costs among all the offered services and
(3) A clear focus on fire prevention using both technology and public education approaches.
Another important way private fire companies reduce the cost of fire protection is by serving several communities. Costly firefighting and emergency apparatus that is needed only occasionally in any one jurisdiction might be shared among several service areas. Operating in many different localities also enables private firefighters to gain experience in a wide range of situations and utilize this knowledge to improve services and control costs. Thus, unlike municipal fire departments that generally operate within a single jurisdiction, private fire companies can operate across different counties, states, or nationwide, and thereby achieve significant economies. A number of independent studies have examined the cost and performance of private fire protection services, both in the United States and in Denmark. An examination of the private fire department in Scottsdale, Arizona found that, in comparison with nearby public-sector departments, it had the lowest per capita cost of fire service, and one of the lowest fire incidence and loss records. In Denmark, the cost of private fire services was found to be only one-third as much as publicly provided services. In the United States, the principal growth in private fire services has been in communities without pre-existing, full-time, paid municipal fire departments. These localities, which include rural and semi-rural areas without fire protection; small towns with volunteer departments; newly incorporated towns, cities, and fire districts; and planned communities, are expected to experience the greatest population growth and continue to offer the greatest growth opportunities for the industry. (Editor’s note, so why not New Smyrna?)
COMPARISON OF FIRE DEPARTMENTS
Last Fall,we published a comparison of fire departments for the three coastal cities and Deltona. Comparisons can be made by looking at statistics on web sites provided by each department, and looking at budget numbers from the appropriate City finance department. The statistics as we read them are as follows:
All of these jurisdictions perform many services which are not easy to characterize. There are HAZMAT calls, auto fires, trash fires,auto accidents, animal control and a host of other activities which are not identical in all communities where comparisons of general service is warranted. Nevertheless, it is apparent that general comparisons are warranted. In the case of New Smyrna Beach, comparisons with Port Orange seem relevant, but Deltona had a completely unacceptable response time for answering emergency calls and its service would seem inadequate even if its costs were cheaper. However, it is interesting to note comparisons for cost per firefighter, and firefighter cost per resident by city. Interesting is it not?
