2019-08-26 Finance Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Finance Committee Minutes August 26, 2019 absorbed in their budget. He also stated it would be helpful to have costs broken out in greater detail so the Council can better anticipate the budget. Finance staff is working to update the chart of accounts for greater transparency. Councilmember Quinn asked if service separations are identified separately so they can be appropriately offset. Staff replied that separations can be costly and departments are expected to absorb them by cutting back in other areas. Councilmember Quinn stated that the Fire Department has requested significant budget amendments each year since 2012 and these proposed amendments reveal the true cost of service. Councilmember Seal pointed out that when the Department begins charging for false alarms again, the business community will direct any backlash to the Council. Councilmember Quinn said that the Council needs to give financial direction and structure to Fire and in return will need some guarantees. Chair McLeod stated support for the additional revenue sources proposed by staff as well as a more robust annual report as outlined in the RCW. FORWARD TO SEPTEMBER 9, 2019 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. B. Resolution: Fire Department Fee Schedule Staff is seeking Council approval of a resolution that would update the Fire Department fee schedule by adjusting current fees and adding new fees to more closely align with other jurisdictions in the region. Fees are intended to recover a portion of the City's costs for services such as fire permits, plan review, and inspections. At its August 12, 2019 meeting, the Committee requested staff return with a different proposal for short term permits following Councilmember Quinn's comments expressing concern about deterring the types of activities the City would in fact like to attract. The revised proposal retains short-term permit at the current fee of $25.00. Staff noted that there is some statewide movement to address permitting of food trucks and the City is monitoring that activity. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO SEPTEMBER 9, 2019 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. C. Fire Department Special Operations Staff provided an overview of the special operations that the Fire Department has provided in the past as well as in the transition toward Zone 3 regionalization. Tukwila has been a leader in the state to specialize in hazardous materials and rescue efforts, responding to calls including the Oklahoma City bombing, World Trade Center emergency, and the OSO mudslide. The Zone 3 Technical Rescue Response model was formalized in 2004-2005, which organizes and coordinates responding agencies. Tukwila has a responsibility toward training and special operations as its contribution to the region. Chair McLeod asked about budgetary impacts of specialized training, and staff estimates courses cost $50,000 or less each year. Deployments are reimbursed at or nearly 100%. Chair McLeod asked about water rescue training on the Columbia River and staff responded that this was done once in 2010 during a flooding threat. Chair McLeod recommended a presentation to the full Council on July activities. DISCUSSION ONLY.