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.
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.
