Government regulations burning a hole in the annual fire department budget

Sparta - State and federal requirements are burning a hole in the pockets of the Sparta Fire Department, which finds itself each year putting aside a larger portion of its funds to upgrade and test equipment for the all-volunteer unit. Bob Shugart, the fire department’s business administrator, said a portion of the proposed 2.4 percent hike in the budget from the $73,200 spent in 2005 would be used to keep pace with the cost of testing ladders and pressure hoses, and to purchase and replace air bottles and defibrillators on all trucks. “All the different tests are required,” said Shugart. “Ladders have to be tested every year, and the costs go up every year.” The fire department, which is comprised of about 80 members who volunteer an average of 12 to 15 hours per week, proposed a $75,000 budget in 2006. That amount translates to approximately 10 cents per household for the year. The proposal was made during a presentation in a series of public budget hearings held by the township council last month. Sparta Township Manager Henry Underhill will now review the costs associated with specific services and make recommendations to the council before members vote on the proposed budget. “Most of the costs are compliance requested,” said Shugart, who cited as an example a federal law requiring air bottles to be discarded every 15 years. Shugart said 20 new air bottles are needed this year at a cost of $900 each. Each bottle provides firefighters with auxiliary breathing for up to 15 minutes during a fire. Despite the cost, the business administrator said the all-volunteer department saves township taxpayers approximately $3 million per year. According to Shugart, many residents don’t understand the costs that a full-time department would entail, including more than $3 million to cover salaries alone, plus benefits and pensions for 32 firefighters. Shugart also said homeowner’s insurance is reduced because of the township’s equipment and its ability to respond and control a fire. Over the next three years, the department is asking the council for $1.5 million for capital improvements, including $500,000 for the purchase of a new engine truck. Shugart said the 28-year-old truck donated to the department last year would be used as a back up. “It’s not like a garbage truck,” he said. “The truck has to start. A fire department has to have two of everything.” The department also asked the council to consider providing $1 million to be used toward the purchase of a new ladder truck, which is used for fighting fires at commercial sites or at some of the newer townhouses with steep roofs, which make it difficult for firefighters to maneuver. Many of the new ladder trucks have platforms for firefighters to operate from, he said. “The town has been very helpful,” said Shugart. “If something needs to be done, they do it.” Shugart said donations have been used to support the department’s infrastructure including construction of new headquarters, and the purchase of furniture, hoses and other equipment. “The fire department could not exist without donations,” said Shugart. “They pay for the things the taxpayers aren’t. Without donations, a lot of things could not be bought.”