A.G. Gancarski
Even in a tight budget year in Jacksonville, the sheriff’s office, and the fire and rescue department still have to be fed.
On Thursday afternoon, the Jacksonville City Council Finance Committee took a look at public safety budgets.
There was little in the way of controversy, even on enhancements, compared to the surprisingly contentious inspector general hearing that preceded it.
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The sheriff’s office budget is 39 percent of the general fund budget, and 54 percent of the cap.
Revenues are up $961,703 year-over-year; meanwhile, salaries are up $2.57 million, attributable in large part to the hiring of 40 officers and 40 more community service officers, which will happen midway through the fiscal year, and which will replace retiring officers and remove a vacancy glut.
“The pipeline is full,” said Sheriff Mike Williams of officers waiting to commit to the five-month hiring process.
All 80 officers will be assigned vehicles, though the CSOs cannot take their vehicles home, Williams said.
Meanwhile, pension costs are up $10.375 million, with a $10 million uptick in the unfunded liability cost, up to $92.5 million.
Also up: fleet vehicle rental, at $2.25 million, and a $1.49 million increase for the pretrial detention facility due to a dysfunctional water meter.
Contractual services are up almost $684,000, due to an increase in contract food services costs and security/guard service at Shands for inmate health care.
“We are taking a hard look at our entire corrections health process,” Williams said, with changes pending, possibly including “telemedicine.”
Other operating expenses are up $2.62 million, due in large part to technology costs. Taser replacements will cost $872,752 and a new fingerprinting system comes in at $1.92 million.
“The current fingerprinting system is end of life,” said Williams, with “parts not being made anymore.”
“Tasers are also an end of life issue,” Williams said, with warranties having lapsed.
Another issue: laptops, with 1,400 being leased-purchased, at a $750,000 annual cost.
Heart and hypertension costs were also discussed, with Williams describing annual physicals and tips for healthy eating.
“A lot depends on funding, and we’re limited,” Williams said.
CFO Mike Weinstein said “the escalation in heart and hypertension is not going to go away,” given the fact that it’s generally blamed on the job, due to dicta from Tallahassee.
Cancer, he said, may be another issue eventually attributed to the job.
Regarding body cameras, Williams believes the pilot program will not require any dollars in the first year, and will be able to rely on vendors for product samples and trials to determine the “right product.”
The discussion veered away from budget at times.
Councilman Bill Gulliford spoke on issues at Hemming Park, where enforcement has been lax say park staff, with issues ranging from “public urination to who knows what.”
Williams noted that there was considerable enforcement activity, delineating issues ranging from property violations to arrests.
“We always try to be responsive,” but often there’s not a policeman around to enforce.
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Fire and Rescue is notable in large part for another $10 million increase in pension costs, and a $8.5 million increased in fire operation costs, of which $5.7 million are driven by pension costs, $2.1 million in fleet vehicle replacement costs for 56 vehicles ranging from boats and fire trucks to 4x4s and sedans, and a $1.066 million uptick from overtime costs.
There were no recommended auditor changes, but council members had questions.
Revenue year-over-year is flat, though transport revenues are up 1.78 percent, in part because mileage costs are down.
Rescue runs are up 9 percent, but the mileage is less, and so rescue revenue is down roughly $30,000.
In total, there is a 1,200-call-per-month increase.
Getting paid for fire inspections is also an issue, though after 90 days the bill goes to a third-party collector.
However, “there’s no teeth in the ordinance,” said Chief Kurt Wilson.
One suggestion: prepaid inspections.
“Police and Fire is one of our biggest budgets, and we want to make sure we can get all the revenue we can,” said Councilwoman Katrina Brown.
Fire code violation revenue is also down, as yearly inspections have allowed businesses to correct their mistakes, Wilson said.
Overtime is up, given 34 uniformed vacancies, Wilson said, creating challenges. This is especially true, Wilson said, when the “blue flu” hits on weekends and officers “abuse sick leave.”
The vacancies are created because of large DROP classes, and training a class of replacements takes three months, ensuring a constant game of “catch up,” said Wilson.
Applicants are emerging from other jurisdictions, but they need training just like any other new hire.
Overall, this was an afternoon full of amicability.
Other departments may struggle to make ends meet. But the commitment to public safety from the Curry administration is shared by the council, ensuring that the needs of police, and fire and rescue come first.
