Another Bunch of out of touch elected officials.
At the Dec. 3 South Walton Fire District Fire Board meeting, Fire Commissioner Brian Christenson suggested using money still in the budget to recognize and reward full-time employees.
The $19,899.49 was budgeted in 2007 for a new employee that won’t be hired until next year.
Christenson suggested a $200 Christmas bonus, for a total of $19,800.
In the past, the fire district has not given holiday bonuses. Last year, each employee received a $25 gift certificate in lieu of the annual Christmas party.
“Firefighters do everything to make sure no one is left out during the holidays,” Commissioner Donna Crawford said. “They are paid well, but they are still civil service and don’t get paid enough. I would like to see the firefighters and staff have a nice Christmas.”
Fire Commissioner Jack Abbit, who had worked with the firefighters during contract negotiations, expressed concern that the bonuses might set a precedent.
Fire board attorney Allan Ramey suggested the board could be creating a problem and advised the fire chief to run it by the labor attorneys. He also said when the Walton County Taxpayers Association, a local watchdog group, look at this, they might ask, “Are you serving the people who elected us?”
Abbit advised the board to step back and do something less. He agreed with Ramey “that the Taxpayers Association might come in and say we gave this money away.”
Although Commissioner Mike Stange said he would love to give a $200 bonus, that was definitely setting a precedent. He suggested a $100 gift certificate.
Fire Chief Rick Talbert said whether it was a $25 gift certificate or the suggested $100, it was all in the delivery. He asked the board’s permission to draft a letter that explained where the money came from.
The motion to give a $100 gift certificate to all annual full-time employees as an end of year holiday gift was unanimously approved, subject to the approval of the labor attorneys.
Replies
60Beach LoverAuthor
Re: South Walton Fire Board
Compare apples to apples - Same issues are true for Sheriff's deputies. They get a turkey. I know alot of SWFD's finest - they are good at their job, concerned about the community and seem highly motivated. Most I have ever sat down and talked with would simply appreciate that citizens acknowledge their deeds and dedication with a respectful Thank You.
I really don't believe the $100 will be as appreciated as that which I have detailed. Pay them - don't give them a $100 and go home feeling good about yourself.
The issue is not about the actual recipients - it's about the fudicary responsibility that the Fire Board has to the public - not just their employee's.
Compare apples to apples - Same issues are true for Sheriff's deputies. They get a turkey. I know alot of SWFD's finest - they are good at their job, concerned about the community and seem highly motivated. Most I have ever sat down and talked with would simply appreciate that citizens acknowledge their deeds and dedication with a respectful Thank You.
I really don't believe the $100 will be as appreciated as that which I have detailed. Pay them - don't give them a $100 and go home feeling good about yourself.
The issue is not about the actual recipients - it's about the fudicary responsibility that the Fire Board has to the public - not just their employee's.
Beach Fanatic
Re: South Walton Fire Board
While I can't argue the point about the deputies OR the FF salaries, that is not the discussion of the thread. Both groups deserve better salaries. That is a completely different discussion. This discussion is should they receive a "token" gift of thanks for their service during the holiday season...BTW...THEY will be working on Christmas...will you?
Compare apples to apples - Same issues are true for Sheriff's deputies. They get a turkey. I know alot of SWFD's finest - they are good at their job, concerned about the community and seem highly motivated. Most I have ever sat down and talked with would simply appreciate that citizens acknowledge their deeds and dedication with a respectful Thank You.
I really don't believe the $100 will be as appreciated as that which I have detailed. Pay them - don't give them a $100 and go home feeling good about yourself.
The issue is not about the actual recipients - it's about the fudicary responsibility that the Fire Board has to the public - not just their employee's.
While I can't argue the point about the deputies OR the FF salaries, that is not the discussion of the thread. Both groups deserve better salaries. That is a completely different discussion. This discussion is should they receive a "token" gift of thanks for their service during the holiday season...BTW...THEY will be working on Christmas...will you?
SoWal Expert
Re: South Walton Fire Board
I still question the number of full time FF in SoWal. I can think of only three active stations, Miramar, Main Headquarters on 393, and WaterColor Crossing on 395. Are there really 33 full time FFs at each of these stations, or am I missing a few stations?
I still question the number of full time FF in SoWal. I can think of only three active stations, Miramar, Main Headquarters on 393, and WaterColor Crossing on 395. Are there really 33 full time FFs at each of these stations, or am I missing a few stations?
Beach Lover
Re: South Walton Fire Board
They have 5 stations Inlet Beach, Water Color, Santa Rosa Beach, Mack Bayou, Miramar. They run 3 shifts 24 hours on and 48 off. They run 5 fire trucks and 3 ambulances. The inlet beach and Miramar stations has 4 firefighters stationed to it and the other 3 have a fire truck and ambulance stationed at it with 6 employees a shift. That comes to 26 employees per shift times 3 shifts. But please do not forget their 911 dispatchers who answer the 911 lines they are always forgotten.
They have 5 stations Inlet Beach, Water Color, Santa Rosa Beach, Mack Bayou, Miramar. They run 3 shifts 24 hours on and 48 off. They run 5 fire trucks and 3 ambulances. The inlet beach and Miramar stations has 4 firefighters stationed to it and the other 3 have a fire truck and ambulance stationed at it with 6 employees a shift. That comes to 26 employees per shift times 3 shifts. But please do not forget their 911 dispatchers who answer the 911 lines they are always forgotten.
Beach Fanatic
Re: South Walton Fire Board
:funn:
:funn:
never said they were.
As for giving employees a bonus? You are right. Let's get morale really low, and take away there existing bonus. Employees surely can't expect one this year, just because they got one last year. They'd be crazy to think that way. It's a bonus, right? Not something that should be expected. It's not like low morale has any effect on employees. It doesn't make them have resentment toward the company, or feel like they can steal and justify the theft as something which they deserved. Let's tighten up the ship, and tell these @ssholes to find another job if they don't like the one they have. That will fix everything and make everyone very happy about risking their own life for the safety of others. What a great way to say, Merry F'ing Christmas. I love it.
(insert smiley with tongue in cheek). ;-)
SoWal Expert
Re: South Walton Fire Board
They have 5 stations Inlet Beach, Water Color, Santa Rosa Beach, Mack Bayou, Miramar. They run 3 shifts 24 hours on and 48 off. They run 5 fire trucks and 3 ambulances. The inlet beach and Miramar stations has 4 firefighters stationed to it and the other 3 have a fire truck and ambulance stationed at it with 6 employees a shift. That comes to 26 employees per shift times 3 shifts. But please do not forget their 911 dispatchers who answer the 911 lines they are always forgotten.Thanks for the info, Creeklover. I totally forgot about the Mack Bayou station, and didn't know about one at Inlet Beach. The first post on here was a little vague regarding the 911 operators, and made it sound like the bonus was for the firefighters only, but if you add those 911 operators in you might get a the 99 employees. My only question about that is, I thought they moved all the 911 operators to Defuniak Springs, so that wouldn't affect the SoWal FD, would it? Or, do we actually have twenty-one 911 operators in SoWal?
Beach Lover
Re: South Walton Fire Board
yes they do have 911 dispatchers. I remember reading that they just relocated to the headquarters station. there are not 33 of them iN SOWAL though. I think the total is 98 or 99
yes they do have 911 dispatchers. I remember reading that they just relocated to the headquarters station. there are not 33 of them iN SOWAL though. I think the total is 98 or 99
Beach Fanatic
Re: South Walton Fire Board
Give it up, Coyote. If you want to talk about excessive salaries or waste in county government pick another example, there are plenty and they aren't the folks who show up when you need serious help and call 911.
Give it up, Coyote. If you want to talk about excessive salaries or waste in county government pick another example, there are plenty and they aren't the folks who show up when you need serious help and call 911.
Beach Lover
Re: South Walton Fire Board
SWFD has it's own 911 dispatch and employees 12 dispatchers it is locater in the station 3 (393) station.
78 firefighter/emt - paramedics
3 shift chiefs
12 dispatchers
the fire chief
the deputy fire chief
the assist. fire chief
EMS Chief
Life safety inspector
beach safety chief
Admin. assist.
Office manager
SWFD has it's own 911 dispatch and employees 12 dispatchers it is locater in the station 3 (393) station.
78 firefighter/emt - paramedics
3 shift chiefs
12 dispatchers
the fire chief
the deputy fire chief
the assist. fire chief
EMS Chief
Life safety inspector
beach safety chief
Admin. assist.
Office manager
Beach Fanatic
Re: South Walton Fire Board
Could you give Coyote some guidance and define what you consider excessive?
Give it up, Coyote. If you want to talk about excessive salaries or waste in county government pick another example, there are plenty and they aren't the folks who show up when you need serious help and call 911.
Could you give Coyote some guidance and define what you consider excessive?
Beach LoverAuthor
Re: South Walton Fire Board
You seem to have a basic lack of understanding of WileCoyote - he never gave up. Never caught the Road Runner, but he never stopped trying.
I suggest all of those that found nothing wrong with the actions of the Fire Boards increasing the "Holiday Thank You" by 400% and thought it should be more - take out your check book, write a check to cash and drop it by the Fire District Office on 393 ,give it to Diane and ask her to give it to a FF or FF/EMT. It will only take 98 of you doing this to make it right.
I will take every opportunity to express my thanks to them and work like hell during the upcoming election to throw everyone of the Fire Commissioners out of office.
Beep - Beep !
You seem to have a basic lack of understanding of WileCoyote - he never gave up. Never caught the Road Runner, but he never stopped trying.
I suggest all of those that found nothing wrong with the actions of the Fire Boards increasing the "Holiday Thank You" by 400% and thought it should be more - take out your check book, write a check to cash and drop it by the Fire District Office on 393 ,give it to Diane and ask her to give it to a FF or FF/EMT. It will only take 98 of you doing this to make it right.
I will take every opportunity to express my thanks to them and work like hell during the upcoming election to throw everyone of the Fire Commissioners out of office.
Beep - Beep !
Edited
Beach LoverAuthor
Re: South Walton Fire Board
They also have a Chief FInancial Officer - Mr. Flannagan - please don't leave him out of you "Holiday" gifts.
They also have a Chief FInancial Officer - Mr. Flannagan - please don't leave him out of you "Holiday" gifts.
SoWal Expert
Re: South Walton Fire Board
I suggest all of those that found nothing wrong with the actions of the Fire Boards increasing the "Holiday Thank You" by 400% and thought it should be more - take out your check book, write a check to cash and drop it by the Fire District Office on 393 ,give it to Diane and ask her to give it to a FF or FF/EMT. It will only take 98 of you doing this to make it right.How about instead, we just scratch your name off the 911 address list?
Beach Fanatic
Re: South Walton Fire Board
That is a service you pay for with your phone. So what has that got to do with anything?
How about instead, we just scratch your name off the 911 address list?
That is a service you pay for with your phone. So what has that got to do with anything?
Beach Lover
Re: South Walton Fire Board
I think we all know where the coyote's is coming from now...Merry Christmas!
I think we all know where the coyote's is coming from now...Merry Christmas!
Beach LoverAuthor
Re: South Walton Fire Board
Happy Hanukkah !
You know absolutely nothing about where the coyote's coming from, and it seems very little else.
Happy Hanukkah !
You know absolutely nothing about where the coyote's coming from, and it seems very little else.
SoWal Expert
Re: South Walton Fire Board
By the way, you don't have to have a phone for the firefighters to come to your house or pull your butt out of a crashed car.
That is a service you pay for with your phone. So what has that got to do with anything?It is a bit of tongue in cheek, but I couldn't find a smiley with the tongue in cheek, which didn't look like some sort of sexual thing.
By the way, you don't have to have a phone for the firefighters to come to your house or pull your butt out of a crashed car.
Beach LoverAuthor
Re: South Walton Fire Board
Stick your head out of the window and Hollar works
Stick your head out of the window and Hollar works
SoWal Expert
Re: South Walton Fire Board
Maybe, but if you keep trying to take away their incentives, one day, they might have a hearing problem.
(again, slightly kidding. -- I believe the firefighters are the type of people who do their job, no matter the circumstances. Even if they don't like you, they would still put out the fire after your house burned down. lol)
Maybe, but if you keep trying to take away their incentives, one day, they might have a hearing problem.
(again, slightly kidding. -- I believe the firefighters are the type of people who do their job, no matter the circumstances. Even if they don't like you, they would still put out the fire after your house burned down. lol)
Beach Lover
Re: South Walton Fire Board
Not sure what I know about "very little else" but do know I called the SWFD today to get the facts. I suggest you do the same. They were very helpful.
Not sure what I know about "very little else" but do know I called the SWFD today to get the facts. I suggest you do the same. They were very helpful.
Beach LoverAuthor
Re: South Walton Fire Board
I gave them $1,283.18 for their services this year. Just paid it 8 days ago.
By the way we need to raise $283,737 to give the $100 to all of the other underpaid Walton county and school system workers.
No tongue in cheek !
I gave them $1,283.18 for their services this year. Just paid it 8 days ago.
By the way we need to raise $283,737 to give the $100 to all of the other underpaid Walton county and school system workers.
No tongue in cheek !
Beach LoverAuthor
Re: South Walton Fire Board
Gave you the same information that I gave you didn't they !
Gave you the same information that I gave you didn't they !
SoWal Expert
Re: South Walton Fire Board
You mean you paid the SWFD $1,283.18? What service did they perform for you? How much did you pay the School ?
I gave them $1,283.18 for their services this year. Just paid it 8 days ago.
By the way we need to raise $283,737 to give the $100 to all of the other underpaid Walton county and school system workers.
You mean you paid the SWFD $1,283.18? What service did they perform for you? How much did you pay the School ?
Beach Lover
Re: South Walton Fire Board
Spoke with the new fire chief, nice guy and seems very smart. Didn't seem to have your slant, umm flair to it...
Spoke with the new fire chief, nice guy and seems very smart. Didn't seem to have your slant, umm flair to it...
SoWal Expert
Re: South Walton Fire Board
Here's a thought. Mexicans seem to work for less money than Americans, so maybe we could outsource the fire fighting jobs and the 911 operator jobs to Mexicans. You know we could cut that expense in half because they live 16 people to a one bedroom house. Sometimes you get what you pay for. You can moan and groan about spending $20,000 on vital employees and first responders who save lives and property, but in truth, you need to put the focus on wasteful spending on thing which don't boost employee moral. You never addressed my point that the FireFighters are trying to hire firefighters. There is the supply and demand. Pay enough, and you might get more willing firefighters to work in this area. I was kidding about the Mexicans, but is a real life example in our area, where we chose to go for a cheaper price of labor, over paying Americans enough to want the job. I could go on about outsourcing production to China and customer service to India. Do you really want to save a buck with our fire dept, hire some Spanish-only Mexicans to answer your emergency calls, but I want someone who speaks English to answer my call.
Here's a thought. Mexicans seem to work for less money than Americans, so maybe we could outsource the fire fighting jobs and the 911 operator jobs to Mexicans. You know we could cut that expense in half because they live 16 people to a one bedroom house. Sometimes you get what you pay for. You can moan and groan about spending $20,000 on vital employees and first responders who save lives and property, but in truth, you need to put the focus on wasteful spending on thing which don't boost employee moral. You never addressed my point that the FireFighters are trying to hire firefighters. There is the supply and demand. Pay enough, and you might get more willing firefighters to work in this area. I was kidding about the Mexicans, but is a real life example in our area, where we chose to go for a cheaper price of labor, over paying Americans enough to want the job. I could go on about outsourcing production to China and customer service to India. Do you really want to save a buck with our fire dept, hire some Spanish-only Mexicans to answer your emergency calls, but I want someone who speaks English to answer my call.
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