Operation costs for Rocky View County Fire Services are under review.
Acting County Manager, Ted Gard said this needs to be done as the County waits for an arbitrator’s decision on a first contract with the County fire union.
“We can’t stand still while the arbitrator decides,” said Gard.
“No matter what comes out of the process, we know there will be cost increases facing the County. We need to develop plans to mitigate the negative impacts of a new union contract.”
The County and the fire union started negotiating in the fall of 2010 and entered five days of arbitration on Feb. 24, 2013.
The arbitrator’s decision could take between two and six months to reach, according to .
What will be cut is still to be determined and Gard said staff will be looking at everything from staffing levels, call loads and volumes, contracted partnerships and how fire prevention and education is dealt with.
“Because recent union settlements (with other municipalities), prices will likely increase,” he said.
“To justify to citizens … we need to present options to council.”
He said staff will looking at all aspects of Rocky View County Fire Services, as well as ways to enhance public education and prevention programs over the next couple of weeks.
The goal is to develop a list of changes and cost saving options for council by the time the arbitrator’s report is released.
The costs for fire services in the County has risen in the past five years averaging more than $6.8 million annually.
That compares to an average of just more than $2 million a year spent on fire services in the five years before 2008, a press release explains.
“Rocky View County residents are already spending about 20 per cent more per capita on fire services than Calgary residents, even before the union contract,” said Reeve Rolly Ashdwon.
“We’re committed to providing quality fire services, but at some point we have to draw the line.”
He said council is concerned about the financial impacts this union contract could have on operations and said the last thing council wants to do is raise taxes until all options are explored.
International Association of Fire Fighters president for Rocky View Jeff Cragg was unavailable for comment before press time.
