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14. B. COMMISSIONER .JOSEPH E. FLESCHER 14. B.1. RECONSIDERATION OF THE TRACKING STATION BEACH LIFEGUARD POSITION Vice Chairman Flescher asked the Board to reconsider its decision to dispense with the lifeguards at the Tracking Station Beach, which action had been taken because of the reduced budget. He reported that many citizens objected to the unguarded beach, and recalled that during the budget hearings for this fiscal year, public safety was determined to be the priority. He also questioned the cost and time factor of having to call in emergency personnel if the lifeguards are not on site to handle any emergencies occurring on the beach. Budget Director Jason Brown used a PowerPoint (copy on file) to outline the key points of the Ocean Rescue Staffing alternatives for the Tracking Station Beach. He detailed Options A and B, which would effect estimated cost increases of $91,121 and $42,130 respectively. He revealed that Option C was revenue neutral and would entail placing three (3) lifeguards at Treasure Shores and Golden Sands Beaches, with the third lifeguard using an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) to transfer between the two beaches as needed. Concluding, Director Brown reviewed the status quo budget, which had no increase to the budget, and the 2008/2009 budget, wherein it had cost $110,628 to fully guard the Tracking Station Beach. Administrator Baird, noting that the County would be facing another difficult budget in Fiscal Year 2010/2011, encouraged the Board to choose a revenue neutral option, should it decide to keep open the Tracking Station Beach. Vice Chairman Flescher favored Option B. He remarked that the $42,130 cost was about $60,000 less than the $110,628 required to maintain all five beaches with guarded double coverage, and spoke to the importance of having supervision for the lifeguards with the Official in Charge. 25 October 6, 2009