||| FROM KAT BARNARD for ORCAS FIRE & RESCUE |||
Orcas Island Fire and Rescue is happy to announce the revocation of the layoff notices. After successful negotiations with representatives of IAFF Local 3911, the layoff, set to take effect on December 15th, 2023, will not occur. OIFR scheduled layoffs of three full-time Lieutenant EMTs to reduce costs in the 2024 budget.
We are very grateful to the negotiation teams, who were committed to working together to find a solution to avoid the pending layoffs. The negotiations team comprised IAFF Local 3911 President Danny Wiebling, Washington State Council of Firefighters (WSCFF) Representative Nich Gullickson, Fire Commissioner Tim Fuller, and Fire Chief Holly vanSchaick.
As a result of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Fire District and the Union, all current full-time employees will maintain their full-time employment status. The jobs were saved by agreeing not to backfill EMT shift vacancies caused by sick leave, vacation leave, or open shifts. The Fire District will be able to save over $300,000 in the 2024 budget with this measure.
What does this do to response? As we have always done, our department will strive to meet the needs of our community through the combined efforts of our career and volunteer partnership. We are a combination department; volunteers comprise over 80% of our first responders.
OIFR is grateful for its volunteer members. We currently have a total of 28 EMTs – 24 volunteer EMTs and four full-time EMTs. Our responders also include five full-time Advanced Life Support paramedics who can perform life-saving measures and administer medications the EMTs cannot.
We will continue to respond to your emergencies as a team and do our best to be Neighbors Serving Neighbors.
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It is rewarding as a voter and refreshing as a community member to see that the new board of fire commissioners, under the leadership of newly elected board chair Brian Ehrmantraut, have made such a significant impact on the department in less than a month. Saving our 2 local employees with the most seniority and maintaining the level of service within budget is to be commended. Not only the same level of service at the same cost but with a decreased budget impact. Kudos to the Union, with guidance from the regional leadership, and the newly elected commissioners, with their fresh eyes on the problem to achieve this accomplishment. Keep up the push, maintain the momentum, and success is with grasp. The community thanks you for all you are doing. The future of our fire and EMS system is in your skilled hands.
Quote, “The negotiations team comprised IAFF Local 3911 President Danny Wiebling, Washington State Council of Firefighters (WSCFF) Representative Nich Gullickson, Fire Commissioner Tim Fuller, and Fire Chief Holly vanSchaick.”
I’m glad the commission voted to approve the hard work of these four individuals initiated by Chief vanSchaick.
Mr. Simpson In the days prior to the election, we consistently heard from Chief and the board “there is no way to save these positions if the levy fails, there are no alternatives” Levy fails, presto, Chief and Commissioner Fuller can save these positions, wow, reversal of 180 degrees. I have problems saying they were the origin of the solution. They told us there were no solutions and now there is. I don’t think we want to ask “why?” Who came up with this solution and did they not tell the public? Why was the state union (WSCFF) involved? I would love to see the first proposal put forth to the union by Chief and Commissioner Fuller, do you have a copy?
Things changed on election day, solutions were arrived at as a result of the vote, including the participation of ALL of the leadership of the new board of fire commissioners, ALL deserve credit, not just for a vote.
Mr. Simpson, celebrate the victory, I am looking to the positive, I hope you will to. Questions about the solution, who did what, and when will only lead to discontent. Mr. Simpson, please join me and the community in celebrating the re-birth of OIFR. Solutions found, budget improved, local people retained, what else could you ask for Mr. Simpson? Do not minimize the participation of the vote of the people.
Greg, comments such as yours continue to mislead the community. This temporary, partial solution still leaves 25-50% of the FF/EMT shifts un-filled (I.e. empty) and it’s effectively a voluntary pay-cut by the FF/EMTs. The commission has yet to begin work on the downward financial trajectory of the district.
Dear Tony,
Your attempt at gaslighting is adorable. Bless yer heart.
We have New Commissioners asking questions and discussing issues ?
This is not a problem ?
An amazing turnaround in approach and solution from what was an untenable budgetary situation that couldn’t be resolved. What a difference an election can make! Looking forward to future revelations that may come forth from OIFR. Looking at clouds from both sides now.
Dear Tony Simpson, thank you for explaining the significance of this news. We had worked out roughly what it must mean, but hearing it from someone with your inside knowledge is very helpful. Thanks much for your service and for your willingness to keep on telling it like it is.
Dear Tony,
Your concern about the “downward financial trajectory” of the department is 100% legitimate.
The fact is that the previous board was warned repeatedly that their misleading advertising about the levy was doomed from the start. Apparently the overwhelming rebuke of the previous board was not a wake up call for you and the handful of your fellow naysayers who are ironically now throwing darts at the new board. The EXACT thing y’all accused those of us that paid close attention to the goings on at OIFR of doing. We can only hope that the new board can regain the trust of the voters. It ain’t gonna be easy. If you truly care I suggest you get on the bus rather than attempting to derail the train. It’s the only route to the destination.
“The commission has yet to begin work on the downward financial trajectory of the district.”
Explanation please.
There will be a levy for the voters to decide this year because there actually is a large levy cliff at the end of 2024. With Orcas Island parcel assessments increasing some 43% in the last 24 months, the proposed levy amount will almost certainly be less that the $1.06 per $1K offered by the previous board.
The new board is off to a great start. Trust should not be hard to restore … the new board will not let the current level of service decrease. There is clearly more transparency. The new levy rate will increase because the 1% plus new construction simply did not keep up with inflation for the last 10 years, but it will (hopefully) be in line with the three other fire districts in San Juan County … which would be in the range of $800 a year for an median assessed value Orcas Island parcel.
The big dollar decision by the new board will be procurement of new fire engines. They are expensive (up to three-quarters of a million dollars per), and there are are alternatives to be evaluated. The current consultant plan is five new fire engines in the next six years. That needs to be seriously reevaluated for actual need and a long range capital plan that is realistic.