The Spokane County Fire District 4 Board of Fire Commissioners unanimously approved a $5.5 million operating budget for 2016 at its meeting last month.
Most of the district’s funding – approximately $5.3 million – comes from two levies for fire and emergency medical service (EMS). The district also anticipates receiving a small amount (less than $50,000) from new construction and an estimated $150,000 for assisting the state during wildland fire season.
By law, the district may only collect one percent over last year’s levy revenues. However, major news sources are predicting that inflation will rise two percent for 2016.
Fire Chief Randy Johnson says that the district does a good job making cuts as needed and holding the line on spending. But one area of concern continues to be the district’s EMS program where the demand for service is outpacing revenue the program brings in by a wide margin.
“Calls for emergency medical service have jumped almost 23 percent since 2010,” said Chief Johnson. “More calls mean added costs for personnel, equipment, fuel and medical supplies.”
The EMS levy expires at the end of 2016 and voters likely will be asked to renew it sometime next year. Chief Johnson says that the Board will consider asking voters for an increase to meet the growing demand for service.
In addition to its EMS program, spending priorities for 2016 continue to be personnel, equipment and supplies that are needed to provide emergency services on a daily basis. The district also is focused on firefighter training and safety, fire prevention, as well as maintaining its facilities, vehicles and equipment to extend their usable lives.