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• • S.A.4. EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT6ESD) Administrator Chandler announced the proposed budget for the Emergency Services District was in the amount of $17,276,038. It is an increase of approximately 8.3% which includes increases related to the annualized expenses for Stations 8 and 11, salary adjustments, and an increased level of service for Station 6 (providing 7 paramedics). The proposed millage is 2.4913, which is 3.76% above the rollback rate of 2.4010. The Chairman opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to be heard in this matter. Frank Coffey, 1335 River Ridge, understood that Station 6 will be a fully operational station as are the other stations, and will include 7 paramedics, a new ambulance, and transfer of the ALS (advanced life support) system from the fire truck to the ambulance. Administrator Chandler advised that Mr. Coffey's understanding was correct. Blades Robinson, 2126 Cavalla Road, read from a prepared statement, used visual charts, and quoted Emergency Services officials comments from other meetings, all of which supported his position against the additional funding for the increase at Station 6 (as mentioned by Mr. Coffey). His reasoning was based on the volume of EMS calls, present costs, the 2000-2001 proposed budget, and a 5 -year projection of costs pertinent to Station 6. He proposed that firefighters could be cross -trained to perform medical procedures with ALS capabilities, thus saving the taxpayers a great deal of money over the 5 -year period. He asked that those critical of his position to justify spending $500,000 to equip one unit as opposed to equipping 11 existing units with life saving equipment. (CLERK'S NOTE: A copy of Mr. Robinson's remarks, charts and quotes have been placed in the backup for this meeting.) September 12, 2000 15