Fire Contract
 

Two units out of service today, no overtime to cover, negotiations still on going but doesn't seem to making any headway. Talked to a couple of the rescue guys and they are not optimistic. Nothing like having people responsible for our safety distracted by concerns over their future. Can someone explain why the District has a problem giving a competitive package to these folks?

Probably need to ask the District.

Residents need to let "The District" know that they are willing to contribute additional funds toward a compensation package for the workers. The additional funds would be in the form in a raise in taxes.

So, how much are we willing ot pay?

25% is the usual increase

Why would Villages pay increased local/county taxes and expect that $$ to support a non-local/non-county fire department? How do you propose that tax increase would get to the VFD?

:ohdear: Don't you find it amazing the number of people that live here and don't have a clue?

Taxes???
 

Ok. I’ve been called worse than stupid. HOW are the fire departments in TV supported?

It's an item on your tax bill.

percentage
 

That's pretty HIGH. In my work life I never got that type of increase.

One way to save money would be to require people to replace their own smoke detectors and batteries. Or, at least charge a fee for the service.

Don't think you put your life on the line every day

I believe the 25% was talking about the tax increase not what their salary increase should be.

Would that not be a better question for the district involved in the negotiations?

Why assume it is the District being unreasonable here? To just agree to support another 25% tax increase without knowing both sides of the argument is a little wreckless.

Let me guess you are a retired fireman.

Mixing apples and oranges, the tax increase is County, the Fire and Rescue are paid by the District. The District is losing personnel because other Fire and Rescue pay more and have better working conditions...that has been going on for awhile. I don't know the details of the contract under review but, especially this time of the year, we should be fully staffed 24x7. IMO.

That's not a cost....the personnel are working anyway and they schedule the appointment so they can control. Not sure what the data points are on how many use the service but one person had it done here and they left when they got a call. They came back after the call so it didn't impact our coverage.

Speak for yourself

We will just have to disagree about that. It most definitely is a cost. Nobody does anything just because they are working anyway.

My retirement package is nowhere near as good as theirs!!!! In addition what r we paying OVERTIME in the first place

Do the respondents know what the fireman want? How about letting the district and the fireman figure this out without residents with no clue of what is going on tossing wood on the fire!

Your amenities fee (monthly) is what covers TVFD (Public Safety). It can be raised and is raised if necessary by each VCCD. Talk to your District Board of Supervisors four o the VCCD website.

Thanx dwhite5773 - am aware of how my property is billed for fire protection by both the Villages and the County - was asking the poster why and how the proposal would be accomplished and why! lol

I would imagine overtime is because there are insufficient staff in the first place to cover emergencies.

As for your retirement packaged, maybe you had a higher wage, and was expected to make your own retirement package better.
Some take and spend the money up front, and others save and plan ahead!

They must pay overtime just as if any municipal, county, state orderly firefighting division must! Minimum manning.

I agree. If staffing and equipment is so short, why do you see the units at fast food places, grocery stores. Doesn't the firehouse have kitchens? Waste of equipment operating hours and fuel. In times of staff shortages staff and equipment need to stay within their response time area. Firefighters are true hero's but they are also primadonas. To get real recognition they need to be in the house ready. That is the job they signed up for and trained for. Then look at operating costs and give the raise that is deserved

I don't know what their retirement package is, but I think all public pensions should be eliminated and replaced with 401K plans. Pensions are just too expensive. Also, it is impossible to predict the future cost. Almost all private companies, who need to make a profit to survive, have eliminated their pensions.

FYI, according to the NFPA,

"In 2017, a total of 60 firefighters died while on-duty in the U.S. The largest share of deaths occurred while firefighters were operating at fires (17 deaths)."

I tried to Google the safety records for The Villages, but couldn't find any data. But, if you base the pay on danger, then roofers and landscapers should be paid more than firemen.

If you see them at a Gas station they're getting fuel for the rig. if you see them at the Market they're getting the food they will cook at the Station as for the fast food place same deal. When they're in or at those locations the crew is with the unit and have their radios and YES they leave where there at and respond period. The places you see the Unit at are within their response area period except maybe the Fuel station.

Would this savings come about by laying of staff?

Do not believe this to be correct. Sumter County Fire and Villages Fire are funded by the non-ad valorem assessment on your yearly Sumter County tax notice. That fee is currently set at $124

I can’t believe you are so short sighted as to not know that they are at fuel stations either getting fuel or possibly doing training, prevention activities,etc. Same with grocery stores, they are buying supplies for their 24 hour shifts meals, fire prevention, etc. Hardly is this a waste! Their response is hardly any different and they are more prepared for a run! This is what EVERY fire department does, no different in the villages. They are being proactive! Wow!!

We have public pensions because of the nature of our jobs. Managed QUITE well as a matter of fact. I’m in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and proud of how our retirement has been managed. I can’t help I was a public servant. YOU TOO COULD OF HAD THE SAME OPPORTUNITY!!

No, I can’t say that was me!

He's admitted that he was a 35 year "public servant." :oops:


Click Here


And Here


The thread it came from:

Poke Here


So it seems that the attitude here, is that..."we can afford mine...but not yours." :ohdear:

Yes, I do have a Federal pension, but I don't brag about it. I always considered my pay and benefits to be excessive. But, I was not stupid enough to quit my job and settle for another job with less pay and benefits. I never knew anyone who did that. Most people who change jobs, do it to get more pay and benefits. Does that mean I should not be able to have an opinion about how taxpayer money is being spent?

Maybe the next time you see a first responder crew of ANY TYPE in a fast food place or the grocery store you might pay for their order as a way of saying thanks for their service! Those "primadonas" might be called to your property next!