Item A: Functional Consolidation of Fire Departments

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: Functional Consolidation of Fire Departments Meeting Date: January 20, 2010 Agenda Item Number: A Department: Eugene Fire & EMS Staff Contact: Randall B. Groves, Chief www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-7115 ISSUE STATEMENT Based on a 2009, consulting firm report and internal analysis, the City Manager and Fire Chief intend to take preliminary steps toward a “functional consolidation” of the Eugene and Springfield fire departments as a means of reducing costs and providing for metro-wide service efficiencies. The term “functional consolidation” refers to a consolidation of some of the administrative and support functions of the fire departments (similar to the 3-Battalion System now used in emergency response metro-wide.) It is not a merger of the departments, but is a series of incremental (though reversible) steps toward a merger, assuming the two governing bodies find those initial steps prove successful. The purpose of this work session is to seek feedback from the Council about one of those steps and seek initial thoughts about next steps. BACKGROUND In an era of financial challenge, new and creative solutions are necessary for sustaining core community services, particularly in fire, rescue, and EMS. To that end, plans now include initiation of steps that feature new and more efficient ways to provide services by skillfully combining the strengths of both fire departments through the use of multi-role, multi-skilled personnel and eliminating unnecessary duplication. In June 2007, the two cities effectively eliminated jurisdictional boundaries for the purposes of emergency fire, rescue, first-response EMS, hazardous materials and ambulance transport. The closest and most appropriate resource is dispatched, regardless of jurisdiction. This approach, known as the 3-Battalion System, has resulted in faster initial response to emergencies as well as better backup coverage to ensure that a safe level of resources are available throughout the metro area. The only tangible costs have been a limited amount of staff time and the minimal one-time cost of renumbering fire stations and vehicles into a single cohesive system. In 2009, the two departments commissioned a study of potential further collaboration by Emergency Services Consulting International (ESCI). The study results were presented to elected officials in June, and discussed at a follow-up meeting in September. In their report, the consultants concluded that circumstances are favorable for the two departments to combine their administrative and support functions. In particular, ESCI noted, several positions in both departments are either vacant or soon to be vacant, and could remain so under consolidation, producing significant savings. The total personnel cost avoidance at full implementation is forecast at $851,275. Future savings realized through streamlined support operations and economies of scale would add to that number. L:\CMO\2010 Council Agendas\M100120\S100120A.doc