— from Barbara G. Bedell
Chair, Board of Fire Commissioners
San Juan County Fire Protection District #2 —
As Chair of the Board of Fire Commissioners for San Juan County Fire Protection District #2, I am writing to clarify a number of issues regarding the Fire/EMS levy and the operations of Orcas Island Fire and Rescue that were raised in correspondence that appeared in recent editions of Orcas Issues and The Sounder.
First, the proposed levy is not the same amount of money that was requested 15 years ago. The previous levy was approved in 1999 at a millage rate of $1.35 per thousand; the proposed levy has a millage rate of $1.05 per thousand. The District has brought emergency services to the exceptional quality that they are today, and what the Commissioners are asking for is to maintain this investment of capital and stay current with emergency procedures and the highest level of service that we can afford. Given the 300 state-mandated regulatory compliances, the 119% increase in call volume, and the 37% increase in inflation since the last levy began, the cost of operating the department has risen significantly. Whereas the school bond is for capital improvements, the OIF&R levy is for operations, maintenance, a small reserve fund for emergencies, and no expansion of facilities or purchases of vehicles. The new levy will cover virtually all expenses.
In regard to the comparison with Lopez Island, the cost per capita for EMS and fire protection services on Lopez is $360 and the cost on Orcas is $361. The comparison is worth noting, particularly since Lopez had 505 calls last year, and Orcas had 879. The population of Lopez is considerably smaller than that of Orcas, and the geography of the two islands is very different. Because of Deer Harbor, West Sound, and East Sound, fire stations, equipment, and volunteers have to be located all over the island to ensure quicker response times. All of this requires money.
The cost of salaries for the administrative staff (10 FTE’s) is reasonable. Both the Chief and the Assistant Chief are professionals: the Chief is both an EMT and a Firefighter; the Assistant Chief is a paramedic. OIFR also employs four additional paramedics. The remaining staff are responders as well. They support the training and administrative needs of the 64 volunteers who give our community a remarkable network of responders to cover calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across the entire island. Because the Assistant Chief is a paramedic, he provides backup for the paramedic on duty. Since two or more calls come in simultaneously 26% of the time, it is very important to have the second paramedic available if one patient, for example, is in Eagle Lake and the other is in Deer Harbor. The total benefits that islanders receive from the investment in salaries is well worth the cost.
Orcas Island Fire and Rescue is a fire department, but it is also a business that must adhere to sound financial practices and reporting. Another good investment was having an experienced CPA put in place the needed systems, policies, and procedures for OIF&R and develop a proposed budget for the next ten years. Now that the majority of that work has been done, most of the day-to-day financial operations will be performed internally with the CPA hired on an hourly basis as needed.
The accusations of frivolous, extravagant spending are simply not accurate. The items that have been raised all have reasonable explanations and do not constitute inappropriate expenditures. Chief O’Brien has addressed these issues numerous times, and I see no point in belaboring them any further.
We have taken a major step forward with the hiring of Chief Kevin O’Brien. He is an ethical and professional leader who has improved operations, created a positive atmosphere in the department, and established a strong position to carry Orcas Island Fire and Rescue into the future.
And the future is what this levy is all about. What encourages me the most are the letters written by islanders whose lives or those of their loved ones were saved by the exceptional skill of our fire department’s EMTS and paramedics. These people were given a future because of the superior level of training and dedication of our responders, and this gift far outweighs the negativity of the naysayers. Furthermore, OIF&R is our department. As Chief Kevin O’Brien has said many times, the members of OIF&R are neighbors serving neighbors. We need them for the services they provide for all islanders, and they, in turn, deserve our support, our trust, and our faith that when we dial 911, help will arrive at our doors. Let’s keep looking ahead by voting “yes” for the levy. We are making a sound investment in our future.
Barbara,
Thank you for these important clarifications. Knowing the millage rate (that is actually decreasing from the previous rate), the significant increase in calls, and the actual comparative costs with Lopez Island are very helpful. Accurate data is crucial to understanding the proposed budget and assessing one’s position and vote.
I have volunteered with the OIF&R for many years as part of the Critical Incidence Stress Management Team, offering support to the staff and volunteers. In this role, I attend a monthly meeting of the staff and volunteers – part of their required ongoing training. I am incredibly impressed with the quality of the staff and volunteers, their expertise, and their investment in continued training. Their dedication and commitment to the community is inspiring and exceptional, and I have no concerns about my emergency medical needs because I trust them so completely. That peace of mind in such an isolated community means a lot to me.
I urge others to join me in voting YES for the proposed levy.
Dear Community Friends,
It is with much appreciation to Orcas Issues, for publishing Barbara Bedell’s edifying letter, as well as to Barbara, for bringing us up to date regarding the Fire/EMS levy and the operations of Orcas Island Fire and Rescue, that I pen this note.
Living on the rock has been a highlight for my husband, Harvey, and myself. We both truly appreciate the level of caring and concern of so many with whom we share this Paradise. Without a doubt, everyone who takes the time to become involved only does so because they care about our community.
If I had felt unsettled regarding any aspects of the upcoming OIF&R Levy, Barbara’s informative letter would have allayed my concerns. As is the case, Barbara’s letter answered my questions comprehensively, and to the point.
My sincere thanks to Orcas Issues for publishing Barbara’s educational letter. I learned more about our talented and versatile Fire and Rescue Department than I had previously known. It’s wonderful to have an online forum that offers a venue for the exchange of ideas.
Sincerely,
Liane Olsan
Thank you, Barbara, for your letter.
It is always enlightening (as in dissipating ignorance) when facts and data can trump mis-guided opinion and mis-information.
I have the utmost regard and appreciation for our OIF&R, Kevin O’Brien, and the professional protection and intervention they provide to our community. Thank you to our Fire Commissioners and all those who volunteer and serve though our OIF&R.
Thoughtful, informative letter, Barbara. It explains clearly and accurately what this levy is all about. And why it’s so important to vote yes on it.
A very good commentary from Barbara. I believe the levy should and will pass, but I am also impressed with those who are willing to rise up to disagree. It sounds like a very healthy democratic process in action, which is not always the case on Orcas Island.
I would like to thank Barbara for clarifying the purpose and intent of the levy and addressing the misinformation that spreads all too readily in a small community such as ours. I understand opposing views are helpful in any discussion and, to that end, I appreciate Chief O’Brien’s community meetings to address these views so everyone can be well informed and have accurate facts with which to base their decision.
Orcas Island NEEDS a Fire Department. That we have a superior one is a bonus for all of us. I found it enlightening to read information from people who are FOR and those who are AGAINST voting to support the levy. Thanks, Barbara, for your letter with facts that have been perhaps unknown to many of us. It makes my YES vote even easier to make.