Based on expected revenues of $2,050,662 for 2014, the OIFR department has devised a budget of $1,712,441 which is an increase of $125,388. in expenditures from 2013.
Despite the expenditures of huge amounts for capital projects in years past financed by the current 15 year levy, the 2014 budget also includes $338,221 for capital projects, this will only leave a balance of $78,405.
The salaries for 11 employees for 2014 are $776,274 plus $211,302 for benefits plus another $25,000. for “merit pay” which is a fancy way of saying “raises” set aside for the employees. Chief O’Brien was the recipient of a $5,000 merit pay this year.
I find it difficult to understand how the hiring of A CPA from the mainland for three months at the cost of $4,500 per month to assist with financials in light of the imminent departure of the current (still working) financial officer is going to provide this community with greater fire and medical security. Rick Anda had done a great job with the department’s financial and it should have been easy to continue to hire a local person.
Should the requested upcoming levy be unthinkingly approved in a special election — most likely in February at a cost of $12,000 to the district’s taxpayers should this be a single issue election which is highly probable — that would merely be the proverbial “drop in the bucket.”
This budget is to be reviewed November 12, and voted on November 19, both meetings are at 5:30 p.m. should anyone wish to suggest to the Fire Commissioners that a cost/benefit analysis rigorously applied to items in this budget that might result in a more realistic figure without sacrificing safety or service to the community.
Pierrette Guimond
Pierrette
Go look at the public library…over $600,000 .they have a budget that allows for most of their funding to go to the employees..Pay, medical, and even med flight insurance , they also got raises over the last 3 years may I add in the worst economy ever. And they don’t even save lives through 911….I feel that the fire department is a huge need, where the library as wonderful as it is needs to rethink their asking me the tax payer for money again…..check out what the district pays the teachers verses those working in the offices….I love my fire dept and ems… and I believe they save lives….Do I want the fire department to have the best equipment…??? Yes they are trying to save you, me, and someones life on occasion…Do I want the trucks kept up and even get new ones when needed, yes that was my grandparents house and my dads house they showed up to put out when they had a fire. Do I want the best for those who show up in the middle of the night as a volunteer? Of course I do, these EMS, Firefighters are my neighbors, friends, family, someones loved one..I do not want someone hurt due to a money problem…Do I want an experienced Paramedic, EMT, firefighter..? Yes the education of these people is invaluable….
I am glad you asked these questions. I too believe that budgets are sky rocking….Do I trust our chief…Yes
you said “Chief O’Brien was the recipient of a $5,000 merit pay this year.”…
again go look at the library …or here is the 2011
Orcas Island Library District
Budget Overview 2011
Total Income 605,545.00
Expense
Personnel Services
Med Flight Reimbursement 632.00
Library Director 77,672.00
Public Service Librarian 1 45,012.00
Public Service Librarian 2 49,312.00
Administrative Assistant 29,394.00
Public Service Librarian 3 30,523.00
Library Associate I 11,686.00
Network Administrator 31,286.00
Substitutes 1,000.00
Library Associate II 19,402.00
Total Personnel Services 295,919.00
Personnel Benefits
FICA Benefits 22,667.00
Worker’s Comp. Benefit 3,083.00
Retirement Benefits 15,713.00
Medical Insurance Benefit 33,147.00
Un-employment Benefits 2,900.00
Deferred Compensation 151.00
Life Insurance Benefits 908.00
Long-term Disability Benefits 1,425.00
Total Personnel Benefits 79,994.00
Budget Overview 2012
Gross Profit 648,433.00
Expense
Personnel Services
Med Flight Reimbursement 632.00
Library Director 81,196.00
Public Service Librarian 1 46,490.00
Public Service Librarian 2 32,096.00
Administrative Assistant 30,809.00
Special Projects 4,000.00
Public Service Librarian 3 31,988.00
Library Associate I 12,083.00
Network Administrator 32,546.00
Merit Increase 3,600.00
Substitutes 1,000.00
Public Service Librarian 4 25,284.00
Library Associate III 15,795.00
Total Personnel Services 317,519.00
Personnel Benefits
FICA Benefits 24,256.00
Worker’s Comp. Benefit 3,926.00
Retirement Benefits 22,957.00
Medical Insurance Benefit 31,023.00
Un-employment Benefits 1,742.00
Deferred Compensation 150.00
Total Personnel Benefits 84,054.00
The 2 years shown together…Here it is…Just for the Library…..
2011Total personnel price is $375,913
2012Total personnel price is $ 401,573
Now I love my library,,,, but this budget is crazy…and now they want more money…So I understand what you are asking. I guess the question we both need to ask ourselves….Is it worth all that money…..For me I love the library, and the fire dept….but as I am budgeting down to the penny…I see these and my heart drops…
Since Regan was president the Republicans have done a very effective job in suppressing the wages of working Americans, while the public sector of all ilks have gotten their cost of living increases and full medical at an ever increasing cost. The public sector is grossly overpaid compared to the “working man”. I am a believer in the roll of government but all workers in this country who collect a government check whether they be teachers, firemen, policemen, congressmen, senators etc should take a 25% pay cut. The wages and benefits of the public sector are out of control. If any of these people lost their job and had to seek work in the private sector they would take a severe pay cut. Enough whining. No pay increases or bonuses until the middle class is back to where they were in the 50’s.
Harvey Aldort: You are wrong. In fact, when government agencies compete for workers, they often lose out because the high level workers can make much, much more in the private sector. Last year I was involved in hiring someone for a mental health center—four choices backed out after they found out we were paying only $66,000—they could make far more in for profit agencies (i.e., private businesses.) I agree with you that congressmen should make less and also have to buy Obamacare for their medical policies, but I am happy to pay teachers and fire and police more than the guy working at a grocery or hardware store.
P.S. the 1950s, with its rampant racism and sexism are not coming back. Get over it.