EMERGENCY
SERVICE'S BOARD
MEETING
with
AUGUST
5,1998, 7:00 P.M.
COURTHOUSE
COMMISSIONERS AND COUNCIL PRESENT: Tim Sherrod, Josh Herring, Jim Miller,
John Bulloch. Mayor Roy Campbell and
Councilman Earl Williams.
Others in Attendance:
Interim County Manager Veon Williams, City Manager Tom Berry, Twink
Monahan.
Invocation given by Councilman Earl Williams.
Chairman Sherrod gave an extensive history of the
beginning of the consolidation plan between the City and County.
Revenue discussed
(see attached)
Chairman Sherrod stated that the Landfill will finance
the consolidation project.
"Initial Manpower proposal" discussed. (see attached)
Proposed "Five Year Capital Plan"
discussed. (see attached)
Chairman Sherrod explained resolutions have been sent to
the State Fire Marshall's Office and then will be sent to the Secretary of
State's Office. If approved by these
offices, the Emergency Services Board will become a pact. Bylaws have been agreed upon by both
entities.
Chairman Sherrod stated that there will be a total of 69
people working in the Emergency Services Department. Chairman Sherrod also
stated that the purpose of the Emergency Services Department is to
cooperatively improve response time through strategically placing firestations
through the County to serve the citizens of Thomasville/Thomas County and the
municipalities. Maintaining an appropriate ISO rating is very important. The
Chairman stated Fireman and EMT's do
not have to cross train, although the Board would like to see them cross-trained,
no one will be forced to cross train.
Chairman Sherrod discussed equipment purchases such as a new ladder
truck.
Chairman Sherrod discussed the "Proposed Five Year
Capital Plan and stated that the County owned property on 19 north and proposed
it as the location for a new firestation.
City/County employees insurance and retirement addressed
as follows:
Chairman Sherrod stated that there are a total of (42)
employees that work for City/County, but only (9) employees that are actively
in the program will be switched to the Emergency Services Plan. Vested employees will be protected.
The Health Benefits package discussed and all County
employees will keep their accumulative level of service and City employees will
be allowed to stay on the City plan or cash benefits out.
Mayor Campbell assured the City employees that they will
be supported in every way.
Commissioner Bulloch stated that there is a marginal
difference in the City/County insurance and retirement plans.
Chairman Sherrod stated that the (9) County people would
definitely be secured in the County's insurance and retirement plans.
Mayor Campbell reviewed the (5) year Capital Plan and he
talked of plans to upgrade Fire Station (1).
He stated the capital plan budget had been amended $200,000. Mayor Campbell explained to the group that
the consolidation of services were mandated by the state to eliminate the
duplication of services by the City and County.
Questions addressed from the audience and from prepared
questions as follows: (see attached)
Rusty McCloud - requested cardiac - first responder
training.
Tim Coram - questions of who could drive the ambulance
if EMS employees can't while . Deputy's
and Volunteer Fireman are under the
same insurance.
Tim McGill - Addressed "Dead zones" in Pavo
and Meigs - problems transmitting.- need transmitter.
Commissioner Bulloch stated that transmitters may be
addressed during budget.
Allan Shelling - requested classes for volunteers to be
taught by Forsyth Training Staff in Thomasville.
Martin Smith - Questions of Nepotism.
Wayne Smith - asked if hourly rate of pay would changed
for employees.
Rusty Sampson - asked when the 5th member of the Board
would be nominated.
Rusty McCloud stated that a fire truck needed to be
replaced at Boston.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda A. Daniels
Executive Secretary