HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance November 3 1993WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
JOINT CITY AND COUNTY FINANCE COMMITTEE
Wednesday, November 3, 1993
The meeting was called to order at 10 a.m. in the Council Chambers, 1000 North
Forest Street, 2nd Floor, by Ken Henderson, Chair.
Also Present
Absent
Bob Imhof Dennis Vander Yacht
Ken Henderson
Barbara Brenner - late
Don Gisher, BCC
Arnie Hannah, BCC
Joy Keenan, BCC
Louise Bjornsen, BCC - late
1. WHAT -COMM (911)
Speakers: Pauline Keith, Director of What -Comm; Henderson.
Pauline gave a presentation regarding the computer -aided dispatch system. The
major law enforcement /fire /aid response is now less than 30 seconds. Dispatch turnover
rate is average, although no specific figure was available. There are now guidelines for
new employees. The present staff is 27.5 people. Sick leave significantly impacted the
office this past year. Discussion took place regarding overtime /comp time vs. hiring part
time. Pauline stated full time staffing is more cost effective. Office computers were also
discussed, along with the present computer maintenance contract. When questioned
about hazardous material responses, she stated only the agencies that needed to be
involved were contacted.
2. AMBULANCE - MEDIC ONE
Speakers: Dave Hammers, Bellingham Fire Department, Medical Officer;
Henderson; Mayor Douglas; Gisher.
Henderson questioned Dave about a comparative analysis. Medic One is now 19
years old, and Dave was questioned if other options have been explored. The policy
question is: Do we want to have a completely public system or a partially contracted
one and at what level do we want to do this? These questions are brought forth by
ambulance companies. The City has reviewed this issue every year.
Joint Finance Minutes, 11/3/93, Page 1
Mayor Douglas commented he has been frustrated with the ambulance companies
which offer to come in but only on a "convenience" basis; in other words, they want the
business but are unwilling to service the area around the clock.
Henderson commented in turn that the outlying fire districts want a system with a
more timely response.
Gisher assured everyone he was not going to allow any private ambulance
company to be any part of the system until the lawsuit has been resolved. He also had a
question regarding paramedics' salaries being lower than the previous year. Dave
responded the paramedic program has a fairly heavy overtime- related component to it.
Also, he reviewed the actual costs and reduced the overtime hours. More overtime
needs are expected due to the staff reductions in the Fire Department.
There was a question regarding step increases. These in total are less than the
projected reduction in overtime. Local 106 labor settlement is still outstanding.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 a.m.
ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
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Eli beth Bennett, Recordin cretary Ken Henders n, Council Member
Joint Finance Minutes, 11/3/93, Page 2