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Caroline D. Ginn, <br />Former Commission Chairman 1134 Galleon Lane, advised she <br />was speaking for herself and on behalf of the Civic Association of Indian River County to express <br />concern for the Board’s quick decision to consolidate the firefighters and paramedics without a <br />feasibility study. She believed the Commissioners had all run for office on a fiscal responsibility <br />platform and, because of excessive costs incurred in Martin County and other jurisdictions, she <br />believed consolidation in Indian River County was not a fiscally responsible decision. She <br />compared the anticipated salaries of certain firefighters (approximately $90,000/year) to that of <br />high-risk employees (utility lineman) in Vero Beach (approximately $60,000). She urged the <br />Commissioners to proceed with caution in raising the salaries of dual qualified firefighters because <br />others would step forward with “me, too” increases. <br />Vice Chairman Neuberger explained his decision to consolidate the two <br />departments was based on an ESDAC (Emergency Services Department Advisory Committee) <br />recommendation when he was still Mayor of the City of Vero Beach. The County is just now in <br />negotiations as to salaries with both groups. <br />Commissioner Davis inquired about and discussed salaries listed on a handout he <br />had. (Note: Clerk was not provided the handout.) He also made inquiries about the retirement <br />systems for high-risk employees both with the City and the County. <br />Commissioner Wheeler recalled he was on the Commission when EMS was <br />removed from the hospital and his intention at that time was to combine the firefighters and EMS <br />employee groups. He specified that a feasibility study was done in 1999 and, therefore, they did <br />not bypass a feasibility study. Presently salaries and contracts are in negotiation. He thought it <br />was common sense that you would have fewer personnel, which equates to lower cost, if one <br />person can do both jobs. He believed there would be tight budget management under our County <br />Administrator. <br />Mrs. Ginn <br />Discussion ensued with commenting on points raised by <br />Commissioners. <br />Commissioner Bowden specified that she continued to call for a feasibility study <br />with today’s numbers, not 1999’s. She believed that no one should lose their job or seniority as a <br />JUNE 14, 2005 11 <br /> <br />