CC/RDA/CUA SPE MIN 2010 JUL 27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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To examine the efficiency, effectiveness, and economy of the Colton Fire Department's operations; and, to identify alternatives to current approaches to service delivery. — Priority #1: Identify opportunities to increase income or create operating efficiencies for the Department. This first priority was established to ensure that everything is presently being done by the Fire Department to maximize revenues and economically use personnel and resources. — Priority #2: Examine alternatives to the current structure of services with specific emphasis placed on the analysis o£ ✓ Possible Fire Department organizational alternatives; ✓ Potential modifications in staffing and personnel deployment practices; ✓ The possible consolidation of certain fire safety functions with similar functions managed by other City departments; and, ✓ Opportunities for entering into cooperative service arrangements or contracting with other qualified fire and emergency medical organizations to provide services at less cost. Methodology This operational performance audit was conducted in accordance with Government Auditing Standards, by the Comptroller General of the United States, U.S. Government Accountability Office. Key audit steps: — Interviewed both Fire Department and City management personnel and staff. — Reviewed documentation produced on Department operations. — Examined financial records. — Reviewed the capacity and costs of obtaining services through cooperative agreements or contracting with other fire protection service providers in geographic proximity to the City. —Developed the findings and recommendations that are contained in this report. — Submitted a draft report to Fire Department management for review. — Held an exit conference with management to ensure factual accuracy and to discuss findings, conclusions and recommendations. Department Overview The Colton Fire Department provides fire prevention, fire suppression and emergency medical services to the City of Colton and, by contract, to a County unincorporated pocket in the Northwest area of the City. Firefighters have Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic certification, although patient transport is provided by a private ambulance company. Budget and Net Cost: — $9.3 million operating budget in FY 2010-11, which is $76,559 less than the FY 2009-10 amount, after indirect and allocated cost adjustments. — The Fire Department collected approximately $96,650 in fees, fines and forfeitures, excluding the reimbursement of costs associated with fire suppression services provided to other jurisdictions. — $9.2 million net General Fund cost in FY 2009-10. Position Allocation: —FY 2009-10 and FY 2010-11: 41.3 positions that are comprised of 39.0 operations staff and 2.3 executive management, administrative and fire prevention staff. — $7.3 million in budgeted staffing costs in FY 2010-11. 1. Fire Suppression Organizational Alternatives 2010 JUL 27 SPC CC/RDA/CUA MEETING -7 -