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POMEROY–A policy to track capital purchases over $5,000 with a life expectancy of more than one year as well as any small and attractive assets valued $1,000–$5,000 was approved by the Garfield County Fire District (GCFD) board at the November 10 meeting. Fire Chief James Cleveland indicated he has been unable to find any evidence or documentation such a policy exits.
The GCFD needs to replace two aging defibrillators, at a replacement cost of $36,000–$38,000. The old units owned by the GCFD now are beyond the expected life of 10–12 years, and are no longer supported by the manufacturer. The FDA allows them to be used until replacements can be made. The GCFD is currently looking for grant funding to replace one in 2021 and possibly replace the second one the following year.
New computers approved for purchase resulted in savings of $1,000 on the two sets. Instead of $2,000 for each set, the cost was only $1,500 each.
Cleveland reported 12 air tanks are over 15 years old, and no longer usable. However, there were enough extra tanks to be used as backups do defer the immediate need for new replacements.
The ambulance on loan from Asotin is of little value and will be sold as surplus once title is received. The other older ambulance, which will be replaced by a new one on order, will be kept as a backup vehicle.
The GCGD is getting three quotes for repairs to the fire station building include addition of new outlets and a heater in the bathroom. They will also ask for quotes to repair the training room roof leak in the old fire station building. Presently, no damage has been accessed.
Cleveland is seeking grants for the GCFD, including a request to the Shepherd Foundation for a mechanical CPR device known as a Lucas Device that does automatic chest compressions for cardiac arrest patients. He will also apply for an Assistance to Firefighters grant for hoses and a new fire engine, as well as a supplemental Assistance to Firefighters grant for COVID-19 personal protection equipment.
The board approved the payment of stipends for weekend shifts worked by firefighters and EMS personnel to be paid at the end of November. The stipends are calculated on a point system that accumulates from November through October each year, and paid in time for Christmas each year.
A new schedule has been established for the full-time staff, beginning November 1, 2020, which will require 12-hour shifts per day, with four days on and four days off. Previously, the full-time staff worked Monday through Friday, but with the new schedule, there will be someone at the station seven days per week.
Fire Chief, James Cleveland, stated that the budget was ready for the review of the Fire District Commissioners, except he was still waiting on the current levy tax rate from the County Assessor’s office. He expects to have it by the end of the week.
The GCFD 2021 Budget Hearing is set for November 25, 2020 at 5 p.m. The public is welcome to attend via zoom teleconferencing.