From WZEP
SOUNDING THE ALARM
Commissioners Approve Study to Merge Fire/Rescue with Sheriff
Keeping good on her promise, freshman Commissioner Melanie Nipper proposed a feasibility study at Tuesday’s commission meeting to merge Walton County Firefighters and Paramedics with the Sheriff’s Office
Nipper made the proposal after several fire/rescue personnel approached her and Commissioner Tony Anderson about deplorable living conditions at some of the county’s aging facilities.
“I think it would be worth it, to consider it,” said Nipper. The Commissioner suggested enlisting the aid of personnel from Broward and Citrus counties, the only two counties in Florida to accomplish such a move, in helping evaluate where the county stands in terms of resources and personnel.
Commissioners heard from several firefighters who complained about mold and other maintenance issues at primarily the Freeport and Paxton fire stations. They cited health problems and low morale and said they believed by turning operations over to Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr., he could turn things around.
Chairman Cecilia Jones asked how much such a study would cost and who would pay for it. County Administrator Larry Jones estimated the cost of a study would be between $20,000 to $25,000 dollars and could take several months to complete by the time contracts were drawn up, reviewed and awarded.
Commissioner Sara Comander was clearly impatient with such a delay. “If we need to fix these stations, why wait,?” she asked. Comander said the board should spend the money now to fix critical issues. Comander concurred with the study however, she said she felt strongly that any study be done by an independent organization and “out of house.”
Comander complemented Sheriff Adkinson on management of the Sheriff’s office but noted his office already receives 54% of the county’s budget and he already controls the jail, animal control, emergency communications and, just recently moved to acquire responsibility for the Department of Children and Families.
Commissioner Tony Anderson said he was appalled at the living conditions in two of the facilities and supported urgent action.
Commissioners peppered Walton County Fire Chief Bobby Martin about budget priorities. Martin said he was doing the best with what he had and informed commissioners that construction was already underway at the Freeport facility and workers would begin on the Paxton station next. “It’s always a budget issue,” Martin told WZEP. “We do all we can with what they (the commission) give us.”
Firefighters complained about the delay in action and slow pace of change. Since Martin took command of the 100 member agency two years ago, he has made numerous improvements. With a budget of $10 million dollars, he manages all fire and rescue services north of Choctawhatchee Bay with the exception of Argyle and Liberty independent fire districts.
Battallion Chief Robert Daniels said Martin is doing the best he can with what he has.”He has brought us into compliance with the State Fire Marshal’s standards, achieved new standards with respiratory guidelines with the DOH, delivered 4 new ambulances with two more on the way, 2 new tanker trucks and increased manpower to ensure there are at least two firefighters on every truck.” However, Daniels says one of Martin’s biggest accomplishments is enhancing the insurance fire rating for residents. “We went from and 8 or 9 to within a quarter of a point of being awarded a 4 now,” said Daniels.
Local Resident Mike Flynt suggested Commissioners consider raising the current $75 assessment on homeowners to $150 to pay for needed improvements.
Commissioners voted unanimously to commission a study, which will not get underway until early spring. In the meantime, commissioners, the fire chief and firefighters will hold a workshop to address immediate concerns.
Replies
43
SoWal Guide
NOT related to South Walton Fire District, an excellent fire and emergency department. We're so lucky to have this professional fire department dedicated to our beach town. We may have no government but we have GREAT emergency responders!
Just want to clarify SWFD is all good. I am hoping Walton County does whatever is needed to address these issues for public safety and emergency responders in the rest of the county.
Just want to clarify SWFD is all good. I am hoping Walton County does whatever is needed to address these issues for public safety and emergency responders in the rest of the county.
Edited
Beach LoverAuthor
I agree. We are however one county and it is our governments responsibility to address these issues.
Sara Comander said herself the problems are there, they are real and they need to be fixed. Find the money and get it done! Peoples lives depend on it.
Sara Comander said herself the problems are there, they are real and they need to be fixed. Find the money and get it done! Peoples lives depend on it.
Beach Fanatic
I agree. We are however one county and it is our governments responsibility to address these issues.Commissioner Comander was not initially for the fix until after some of the other board members and audience members started to explain of the conditions. She talked about the house she lives in and how old the carpets were. Although I like Commissioner Comander, living in a house that you chose to not upgrade is not the same as living in a structure that houses multiple folks who work for you and has issues you are responsible for. I also believe Mr Flynt was incorrect on the amount for the MSBU for the fire tax. I believe the number is in the 350 to the 375 range. I would also like to know what the difference between the fire budget portion and the EMS portion of the budget is? Even if the County charged the full 375 MSBU which is what I think it is, the budget would be less that what they currently have unless it is supplemented with EMS moneys.
Sara Comander said herself the problems are there, they are real and they need to be fixed. Find the money and get it done! Peoples lives depend on it.
Beach LoverAuthor
Commissioner Comander was not initially for the fix until after some of the other board members and audience members started to explain of the conditions. She talked about the house she lives in and how old the carpets were. Although I like Commissioner Comander, living in a house that you chose to not upgrade is not the same as living in a structure that houses multiple folks who work for you and has issues you are responsible for. I also believe Mr Flynt was incorrect on the amount for the MSBU for the fire tax. I believe the number is in the 350 to the 375 range. I would also like to know what the difference between the fire budget portion and the EMS portion of the budget is?
The house she referred to was not her personal home it was her office space located behind the Courthouse.
Something is inherently wrong when a Commissioner can spend 50k (a grant) and 6000.00 (taxpayer money) on an office desk but can't address the issues for firefighters and EMS. I won't even mention the $17500.00 check the County is fixing to have to write to Suzanne Harris. Life is all about priorities.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
The Budget is approximately 10.2 million for 2017. Of that budget about 880,000 is from the special Fire assessment. If you were to increase the Fire assessment to the $330.00 as identified in the now 4 year old study the total would be approximately 3.8 million dollars.
I'm truly confused by the "transfer" request as the issue seems to be "living conditions". The only solution to an upgrade of living conditions requires money. Unless the Sheriff had a "money tree" in his yard that produces "dollars" the issue can only be addressed from funds from the BCC.
Part of the presentation by fire fighters stated the Sheriff had "streamlined" operations for those he had brought under his "umbrella". A review of budgets & expenditures do not beard that statement out.
I'm truly confused by the "transfer" request as the issue seems to be "living conditions". The only solution to an upgrade of living conditions requires money. Unless the Sheriff had a "money tree" in his yard that produces "dollars" the issue can only be addressed from funds from the BCC.
Part of the presentation by fire fighters stated the Sheriff had "streamlined" operations for those he had brought under his "umbrella". A review of budgets & expenditures do not beard that statement out.
Beach Fanatic
The blame for this mess fall squarely on the BCC and the prior set of Commissioners.
For years, they had been told what they SHOULD be charging people. Only charging $75 for years and years has gotten you exactly what you pay for. A mess.
C. Jones was on the BCC during this time and we'll need to check how she voted if that increase was ever up for a vote.
Bob Wells is right, the figure (estimate from the study) is much higher, upper $300 if I recall.
Charge people the right amount of tax and you'd be surprised what you get. Instead, they all choose to hit up the "rich" south end people to pay for their services. I believe there is a lengthy post on all of this from about one or two years ago.
As for WCSO having Fire / EMS under their roof, that's simply too much already. Next we'll be doing studies to have WCSO take over Mosquito Control and the Trash Collection.
For years, they had been told what they SHOULD be charging people. Only charging $75 for years and years has gotten you exactly what you pay for. A mess.
C. Jones was on the BCC during this time and we'll need to check how she voted if that increase was ever up for a vote.
Bob Wells is right, the figure (estimate from the study) is much higher, upper $300 if I recall.
Charge people the right amount of tax and you'd be surprised what you get. Instead, they all choose to hit up the "rich" south end people to pay for their services. I believe there is a lengthy post on all of this from about one or two years ago.
As for WCSO having Fire / EMS under their roof, that's simply too much already. Next we'll be doing studies to have WCSO take over Mosquito Control and the Trash Collection.
Beach LoverAuthor
The Budget is approximately 10.2 million for 2017. Of that budget about 880,000 is from the special Fire assessment. If you were to increase the Fire assessment to the $330.00 as identified in the now 4 year old study the total would be approximately 3.8 million dollars.
I'm truly confused by the "transfer" request as the issue seems to be "living conditions". The only solution to an upgrade of living conditions requires money. Unless the Sheriff had a "money tree" in his yard that produces "dollars" the issue can only be addressed from funds from the BCC.
Part of the presentation by fire fighters stated the Sheriff had "streamlined" operations for those he had brought under his "umbrella". A review of budgets & expenditures do not beard that statement out.
And how much money has already been spent on feasibility studies? (4 or 5 of them?)
I do agree it is a BCC problem. Find the money and get it done and stop wasting taxpayer money on lawsuits you know you can't win and office desks you don't need (at least not $6000.00 worth of desk) and address the issues in this County and not private agendas.
Beach LoverAuthor
The blame for this mess fall squarely on the BCC and the prior set of Commissioners.
Agreed that this can has been kicked down the road for years!
Beach Fanatic
And how much money has already been spent on feasibility studies? (4 or 5 of them?)I'm sure not many know about the $6k desk. That's a good one. Wonder if there is an invoice?
I do agree it is a BCC problem. Find the money and get it done and stop wasting taxpayer money on lawsuits you know you can't win and office desks you don't need (at least not $6000.00 worth of desk) and address the issues in this County and not private agendas.
Beach Lover
If the concern is living conditions, and construction to fix that is already in the works, why do we need to waste $25K on a study and delay months before addressing it? Increase the fee and fix the issue.
Beach LoverAuthor
If the concern is living conditions, and construction to fix that is already in the works, why do we need to waste $25K on a study and delay months before addressing it? Increase the fee and fix the issue.
The belief is that if funding were being handled appropriately, the fixes would have already happened. It's a valid argument. The can started being kicked down the road 8 years ago.
The truth is the county has wasted more money with useless, costly feasibility studies (4 that I know of) and other frivolities (lawsuits) that they can't seem to put taxpayer money to good use.
In fairness to Ms. Nipper, it wouldn't surprise me at all if she was not aware of previous studies, she just took office. She saw a major problem, listened to First Responder concerns and is determined to get something done about it. However, when the comment was made at the BCC meeting last night that there is emergency/contingency money that could be used, a prime opportunity got lost in the can and its been kicked down the road again. IMO.
Beach Fanatic
The belief is that if funding were being handled appropriately, the fixes would have already happened. It's a valid argument. The can started being kicked down the road 8 years ago.
The truth is the county has wasted more money with useless, costly feasibility studies (4 that I know of) and other frivolities (lawsuits) that they can't seem to put taxpayer money to good use.
In fairness to Ms. Nipper, it wouldn't surprise me at all if she was not aware of previous studies, she just took office. She saw a major problem, listened to First Responder concerns and is determined to get something done about it. However, when the comment was made at the BCC meeting last night that there is emergency/contingency money that could be used, a prime opportunity got lost in the can and its been kicked down the road again. IMO.
This is right on point. Great summary.
I too would be concerned as a new BCC Member as both Nipper and Anderson obviously were. However, doing your home work and looking at the failures of the past are a good way to prepare too. Being able to place blame where it belongs is also a good first step.
I believe three of the five seated BCC members had the ability at one time or another to address this. The official record would have to be checked on who said and did what.
Again, this topic is no new news, its just got some new ears to hear it and hopefully they will address it unlike their predecessors....
Beach Fanatic
This problem goes back 15-20 years and was started when the county forced all the volunteer departments out of existence with the exception of Liberty and Argyle. Volunteer departments are much more cost effective (see the Liberty and Argyle budgets as compared with WCFR) and provide a reasonable service for rural areas. A tax increase for EVERY north end resident, many of whom are elderly and low income people who live on social security or low wages, of 350-500 dollars is an economic nightmare. I know people who live on 1400 or less in social security but own their homes. They cannot afford this level of taxes in addition to what they currently pay.
The problem is that the volunteer departments are not coming back so we must have a professional service. These individuals place their lives on the line serving the public and deserve competitive wages and top drawer working conditions. Currently Walton County provides neither. The stations should be expanded and modernized and there should be enough staff to provide services safely. Wages should be competitive.
This is a difficult issue because I sympathize with Sowal/DFS/Liberty/Argyle residents who pay for their own protection and most of the costs for the rest of us. I understand the frustration but this is one county and the rural areas did not ask to be stripped of their volunteer protection that was affordable.
I wonder about the span of control at the SO if another large department is added that is a discipline very different from law enforcement. The money still must come from the BCC and they could provide the funding for the stations immediately. I do not know if consolidation addresses the underlying problems.
Finally, Bobby Martin is a good man and a long-term county employee who has served the citizens of Walton County for over 30 years. I have been in his position where you cannot get needed funds but must do the best you can with what you have. I know given a fair chance he can get the department on course.
The problem is that the volunteer departments are not coming back so we must have a professional service. These individuals place their lives on the line serving the public and deserve competitive wages and top drawer working conditions. Currently Walton County provides neither. The stations should be expanded and modernized and there should be enough staff to provide services safely. Wages should be competitive.
This is a difficult issue because I sympathize with Sowal/DFS/Liberty/Argyle residents who pay for their own protection and most of the costs for the rest of us. I understand the frustration but this is one county and the rural areas did not ask to be stripped of their volunteer protection that was affordable.
I wonder about the span of control at the SO if another large department is added that is a discipline very different from law enforcement. The money still must come from the BCC and they could provide the funding for the stations immediately. I do not know if consolidation addresses the underlying problems.
Finally, Bobby Martin is a good man and a long-term county employee who has served the citizens of Walton County for over 30 years. I have been in his position where you cannot get needed funds but must do the best you can with what you have. I know given a fair chance he can get the department on course.
Beach Lover
I think the questions we all need to ask is how does the North Fire District keep up with Fleet Management of their vehicles and do they have their own Fleet Maintenance Shop or do they outsource repairs? My concerns are how much will it impact the WCSO to bring in their fleet of vehicles. Fleet Management is often overlooked when doing a feasibility study. Due to the fact that assessing a fleet requires detailed knowledge of that particular vehicle and what kind of life expectancy that you can achieve out of it before the cost of repairs become too much to maintain or if it is a liability in the event that it ever was to break down while en route to an emergency.
Beach Fanatic
This problem goes back 15-20 years and was started when the county forced all the volunteer departments out of existence with the exception of Liberty and Argyle. Volunteer departments are much more cost effective (see the Liberty and Argyle budgets as compared with WCFR) and provide a reasonable service for rural areas. A tax increase for EVERY north end resident, many of whom are elderly and low income people who live on social security or low wages, of 350-500 dollars is an economic nightmare. I know people who live on 1400 or less in social security but own their homes. They cannot afford this level of taxes in addition to what they currently pay.
The problem is that the volunteer departments are not coming back so we must have a professional service. These individuals place their lives on the line serving the public and deserve competitive wages and top drawer working conditions. Currently Walton County provides neither. The stations should be expanded and modernized and there should be enough staff to provide services safely. Wages should be competitive.
This is a difficult issue because I sympathize with Sowal/DFS/Liberty/Argyle residents who pay for their own protection and most of the costs for the rest of us. I understand the frustration but this is one county and the rural areas did not ask to be stripped of their volunteer protection that was affordable.
I wonder about the span of control at the SO if another large department is added that is a discipline very different from law enforcement. The money still must come from the BCC and they could provide the funding for the stations immediately. I do not know if consolidation addresses the underlying problems.
Finally, Bobby Martin is a good man and a long-term county employee who has served the citizens of Walton County for over 30 years. I have been in his position where you cannot get needed funds but must do the best you can with what you have. I know given a fair chance he can get the department on course.
Danny until a couple years ago Argyle and Liberty were collecting monies from the county to offset their cost for providing fire protection within their fire districts.When they increased their assessments, they brought in more money than what the county was providing. Compared to each other and the county what is the population and area covered in those 2 districts and the county? I only ask because you have said they are paying "most of the cost for the rest of us". I also want to point out that separating the cost of EMS from the fire budget should be looked out. Although I have no problem with them operating as on department there should be an accounting of that budget. EMS is provided county wide and should be accounted that way and paid for that way. I also believe that the fire budget should be increased and that first step should be to increase the MSBU for those who recieve that service, which I am one and then look to the ad valorem to make up the rest. I understand that there are many who live on fixed incomes and I believe there are protections in place to address those issues. This is just my opinion.
Beach Fanatic
Bob your points are valid and there are areas covered by WCFR that have the tax base to provide a strong professional service. Freeport, Black Creek, Portland and Choctaw Beach come to mind. Mossy Head and Woodlawn may get there if growth continues. But the rest of the north doesn't have enough density and is not likely to achieve it any time soon. You know far better than I that in order to provide quality service a certain number of employees, apparatus, and stations per square mile are required. The large portion of the north cannot support these things without a large subsidy. I also think you would agree that it is wrong to put people in harms way without enough support and enough people.
Beach Fanatic
Bob your points are valid and there are areas covered by WCFR that have the tax base to provide a strong professional service. Freeport, Black Creek, Portland and Choctaw Beach come to mind. Mossy Head and Woodlawn may get there if growth continues. But the rest of the north doesn't have enough density and is not likely to achieve it any time soon. You know far better than I that in order to provide quality service a certain number of employees, apparatus, and stations per square mile are required. The large portion of the north cannot support these things without a large subsidy. I also think you would agree that it is wrong to put people in harms way without enough support and enough people.I agree and that is why an analysis of the WCFR is needed to provide the necessary funding. I can assure you that it is not getting any cheaper to do it and as long the BCC refuses to address the issue we will always be behind the standards and it won't make any difference who operates the FD, because it is all about funding.
Beach LoverAuthor
as long the BCC refuses to address the issue we will always be behind the standards and it won't make any difference who operates the FD, because it is all about funding.
I totally agree.
Beach Fanatic
LETTER: Walton Co. chairwoman should serve constituents first
Well said, very well said.
At the Board of County Commissioners meeting Tuesday in South Walton, our new County Commissioner Melanie Nipper asked for a feasibility study to determine whether or not our first responders (EMT and firefighters) would be better served under the auspices of the Walton County Sheriff's Office. The Board unanimously agreed to the study and several firefighters and their families spoke of deplorable conditions at their existing stations - much of which has gone on for a very long time, and in some cases, years. Many who spoke felt like they may have jeopardized their own positions to speak out about their living situations away from home.
The burning issue I have after listening to all who spoke was NOT the feasibility study (everyone agrees something MUST be done), but that the county is fixing to write a check to the tune of $175,000 for a lawsuit they knew they could not win with another one just filed against three members of the county. Plus, we also have a county commissioner who just applied for a $50,000 grant to upgrade her office and spent $6,000-plus (of taxpayer money) on her office desk, but there is no emergency or contingency money available for those who risk their lives every day for all of us?
Maybe my perspective is skewed but I think $56 thousand plus the $175 thousand the county is fixing to write a check for would have gone a long way in correcting some of the problems. Forgive me also for thinking Chairwoman Jones is going to need constant reminders the next two years that she was elected to serve her constituents first and herself last!
- Lynda Morse, DeFuniak Springs
Well said, very well said.
Edited
Beach Lover
Commissioner Comander was not initially for the fix until after some of the other board members and audience members started to explain of the conditions. She talked about the house she lives in and how old the carpets were. Although I like Commissioner Comander, living in a house that you chose to not upgrade is not the same as living in a structure that houses multiple folks who work for you and has issues you are responsible for. I also believe Mr Flynt was incorrect on the amount for the MSBU for the fire tax. I believe the number is in the 350 to the 375 range. I would also like to know what the difference between the fire budget portion and the EMS portion of the budget is? Even if the County charged the full 375 MSBU which is what I think it is, the budget would be less that what they currently have unless it is supplemented with EMS moneys.
Bob,
I believe you will find that the BCC increased the MSBU for NWFD to $75 several years ago. It concomitantly approved an upper limit that it could use in the years since that was in the range of $350 or so, but I think you will find that the one time increase from 25 a year to 75 a year has not changed since that day. Property owners in North Walton pay about 8.6% of the budget via the MSBU. 90% or so of the balance of abut 9.3 mil comes from South Walton. This disparity is grossly inequitable, and the fault lies with the BCC.
The BCC broke this system in the mid-90s, pledging at the time to increase the MSBU incrementally on an annual basis until the fees collected were 100% of the cost. The increase a few years back was the first and only increase in that fee. While there are many in North Walton who would be hard-pressed to pay any significant increase in the MSBU, there are many in North Walton who could and should bear a more equitable share of the burden. Several of those latter spoke publicly against raising the MSBU several years ago, then drove away from the Courthouse in $60,000+ pickups and SUVs.
This can has been kicked down the road for nearly a quarter century. Hold your breath for the BCC doing anything constructive about it in this lifetime. Melanie Nipper has done a good service in bringing the bad conditions to the attention of the BCC. I hope she and Mr. Anderson as the new guys on board will push the Establishment Old Guard to disapprove of $6,000 desks for any Commissioners and establish better priorities for the use of our tax dollars that that and paying huge sums for indefensible lawsuits. Better leadership than we have had is sorely needed. The desk and grant monies of 50k for Cecilia's office are unconscionable and irresponsible expenditures of tax dollars. Ask the North Walton Firefighters if they agree. I hope you do, and will raise your voice against such gratuitous waste.
Beach LoverAuthor
Speaking of gratuitous waste...
C. Jones paid Jason Catalano $3000.00 (at one time her secretary, then code enforcement, currently Planning Board) because he had a pool contractors license and could sign the pool permits for 2 $120 thous dollar splash-pads in County parks. I'm sorry but this isn't about the children or the parks they play in.
This is about spending tax money wisely. If roads, bridges and infrastructure are in place which, they are not in SoWal, then take care of kiddie parks later.
First Responder & EMS put their lives on the line for the people of Walton County on a daily basis and they deserve to be treated better than current conditions indicate.
C. Jones paid Jason Catalano $3000.00 (at one time her secretary, then code enforcement, currently Planning Board) because he had a pool contractors license and could sign the pool permits for 2 $120 thous dollar splash-pads in County parks. I'm sorry but this isn't about the children or the parks they play in.
This is about spending tax money wisely. If roads, bridges and infrastructure are in place which, they are not in SoWal, then take care of kiddie parks later.
First Responder & EMS put their lives on the line for the people of Walton County on a daily basis and they deserve to be treated better than current conditions indicate.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
As I live north of the intracoastal waterway, I have publicly supported the increase.
Beach LoverAuthor
Walton County Board of County Commissioners meeting Jan. 10 at South Walton Annex. Among items on the regular meeting agenda are an update on Walton County Fire Rescue (WCFR) renovations and draft request for qualifications (RFQ) for study of oversight transfer of WCFR to the Walton County Sheriff's Office. 4 PM.
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As Teresa pointed out this is a NoWal issue (the great divide bothers me to no end) yet, all the meetings where this issue has been discussed have been in SoWal. Why is that?
At the Dec. 27, 2016 BCC meeting in NoWal, Deputy Administrator Stan Sunday mentioned some upgrades that were underway and mentioned a "Committee" that have gone to the stations to document and address the most pressing issues BUT when asked by BCC Chair Melanie Nipper to name the members of this "Committee" Stan Sunday refused to name them publicly telling Ms. Nipper he would "send her an email".
Well Mr. Stan Sunday, there are NO secrets in County Government and it seems the Foxes are guarding the hen house. The very people responsible for the problems that have been kicked down the road for years make up the Committee...Stan Sunday himself, Bobby Martin Fire Chief, Sara Comander BCC and facility maintenance Jr. Nance.
Estimated Total Costs - $130,893.00
FY2016 Funds - $57,000.00
Needed Funds - $73,893.00 (Not including $25,000.00 feasibility study)
Does it need to be pointed out again that if the BCC avoided frivolous lawsuits that cost the taxpayers in excess of $175,000.00 things might actually get done in this County?
-----------------------------------------
As Teresa pointed out this is a NoWal issue (the great divide bothers me to no end) yet, all the meetings where this issue has been discussed have been in SoWal. Why is that?
At the Dec. 27, 2016 BCC meeting in NoWal, Deputy Administrator Stan Sunday mentioned some upgrades that were underway and mentioned a "Committee" that have gone to the stations to document and address the most pressing issues BUT when asked by BCC Chair Melanie Nipper to name the members of this "Committee" Stan Sunday refused to name them publicly telling Ms. Nipper he would "send her an email".
Well Mr. Stan Sunday, there are NO secrets in County Government and it seems the Foxes are guarding the hen house. The very people responsible for the problems that have been kicked down the road for years make up the Committee...Stan Sunday himself, Bobby Martin Fire Chief, Sara Comander BCC and facility maintenance Jr. Nance.
Estimated Total Costs - $130,893.00
FY2016 Funds - $57,000.00
Needed Funds - $73,893.00 (Not including $25,000.00 feasibility study)
Does it need to be pointed out again that if the BCC avoided frivolous lawsuits that cost the taxpayers in excess of $175,000.00 things might actually get done in this County?
Beach Fanatic
Walton County Board of County Commissioners meeting Jan. 10 at South Walton Annex. Among items on the regular meeting agenda are an update on Walton County Fire Rescue (WCFR) renovations and draft request for qualifications (RFQ) for study of oversight transfer of WCFR to the Walton County Sheriff's Office. 4 PM.With regards to who is on the committee, whether we like them or not, it is a move in the right direction. I am sure the Fire/ Rescue members will let it be known if things are not moving in the right direction as for the facility upgrades/ renovations. So as not to be biased there were 2 members of the previous BCC who are just as accountable for those conditions that exist today and to give credit to Chief Martin, he told the BCC in the meeting where the consolidation with WCSO was brought up, that he had requested funding for a multitude of items and had been turned down. That took a lot, imo, to call out your bosses seeing he is an at will employee. I would be more interested in why Commissioner Nipper wasn't selected?
-----------------------------------------
As Teresa pointed out this is a NoWal issue (the great divide bothers me to no end) yet, all the meetings where this issue has been discussed have been in SoWal. Why is that?
At the Dec. 27, 2016 BCC meeting in NoWal, Deputy Administrator Stan Sunday mentioned some upgrades that were underway and mentioned a "Committee" that have gone to the stations to document and address the most pressing issues BUT when asked by BCC Chair Melanie Nipper to name the members of this "Committee" Stan Sunday refused to name them publicly telling Ms. Nipper he would "send her an email".
Well Mr. Stan Sunday, there are NO secrets in County Government and it seems the Foxes are guarding the hen house. The very people responsible for the problems that have been kicked down the road for years make up the Committee...Stan Sunday himself, Bobby Martin Fire Chief, Sara Comander BCC and facility maintenance Jr. Nance.
Estimated Total Costs - $130,893.00
FY2016 Funds - $57,000.00
Needed Funds - $73,893.00 (Not including $25,000.00 feasibility study)
Does it need to be pointed out again that if the BCC avoided frivolous lawsuits that cost the taxpayers in excess of $175,000.00 things might actually get done in this County?
Beach LoverAuthor
With regards to who is on the committee, whether we like them or not, it is a move in the right direction. I am sure the Fire/ Rescue members will let it be known if things are not moving in the right direction as for the facility upgrades/ renovations. So as not to be biased there were 2 members of the previous BCC who are just as accountable for those conditions that exist today and to give credit to Chief Martin, he told the BCC in the meeting where the consolidation with WCSO was brought up, that he had requested funding for a multitude of items and had been turned down. That took a lot, imo, to call out your bosses seeing he is an at will employee. I would be more interested in why Commissioner Nipper wasn't selected?
Make no mistake Mr. Wells, I completely understand this is a past and present BCC problem...8 years past!
I'm also having difficulty with "appalling living conditions", "black mold", "maintenance issues", "health problems associated with all the above" and I'm not for one minute blaming actual firefighters or EMS.
Beyond that, you and I both know if the State Fire Marshall were brought in here to do inspections on those facilities and equipment, conditions that exist in the worst of those stations would fail inspections miserably regardless of how much paint, caulking and vinyl is used to put a band aid on the problem. I won't even comment on the safety issues, I'll leave that to the folks who actually have to use the equipment.
You tell us why Melanie Nipper or even T. Anderson for that matter, weren't selected? My guess...both admitted at public meetings conditions were appalling and needed more than band-aids to fix. Not very popular opinions to have when the BCC has historically refused to address the problems is it? I did support Melanie Nipper and admittedly, I am NOT a T. Anderson fan but I'll give the devil his due, BOTH went out on a limb for stations North of the Bay!
As for moving Fire/EMS under the Sheriff (of the 2 who have firefighter/EMS support) let's watch and see who backtracks first.
I could also have expounded on the failures of Stan Sunday when he ran the jail or why he is really no longer with the WCSO and the current job that was created just for him in County Government but suffice it to say he wasn't the best choice for running the jail either.
We have a great history of recycling though.
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