Fire district sets maximum millage rate with start of budget process
The commission for the Captiva Island Fire Control District approved the not-to-exceed millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year at its recent monthly meeting.
On July 10, the board voted unanimously 3-0 to approve a rate cap of 1.700 mills – a 10.71 percent increase over the rolled-back rate of 1.5356 mills. The millage rate for the current year is 1.5905.
Millage rates can be lowered prior to their final approval, but not raised.
Fire Chief Jeff Pawul explained to the commission that the idea is to help bring the district’s reserves fund up $130,000, pointing out that the district’s property valuations rose approximately 3 percent.
“To help boost that reserves fund,” he said, adding that he and the accountant will work on the final numbers and budget in the next couple of months. “So that’s what we’ve been messing with.”
Pawul noted that there has also been a 12 precent increase in the district’s health insurance, which it receives through Lee County. He added that there has been no plan increases in at least two years.
“It is still our best option by far,” Pawul told the commissioners.
He reported that other agencies have left the plan, only to try to come back later.
“If you leave it, you can’t go back on,” Pawul said.
The cap millage rate also takes into consideration future payments on the district’s new boat.
Commissioner Sherrill Sims asked about the plans to fill Pawul’s former position.
He explained that he aims to do so in October with the start of the new fiscal year.
“I think it was a smart administrative move,” Commissioner C.W. Kilgore said of Pawul serving as chief and deputy chief since receiving his promotion in February.
He explained that it likely gave Pawul a chance to see what responsibilities and duties he could handle as the new chief and what he will need to pass off to his new deputy chief when the position is filled.
Asked if the commission had any questions on the proposed rate cap, there were none.
“I think you explained is beautifully,” Sims said.
The district must hold two public hearings on the proposed millage rate and 2018-2019 budget before they can be voted on for approval. The first hearing is set for Sept. 6, with the second on Sept. 20.
Also at the meeting, Pawul reported that the district recently received its reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Hurricane Irma in the amount of about $23,000.
“Which to us is a lot of money, especially when it’s unexpected,” he said.
Pawul confirmed for the commission that the funding was approved for overtime hours, equipment usage and such as a result of the storm – costs above the district’s normal operating procedures.
He also reported that the district’s main engine would be headed to Bradenton on July 12 to get repainted. He was told it would take about a week, but Pawul is estimating about two weeks.
He explained that most of the district’s personnel take their vacations in July and August, so the scheduling is usually three-person shifts. Plus, the reserve engine can only hold three people.
“That’s why we’ve kind of waited until now,” Pawul said of getting the engine repainted.
He noted that the district has an additional vehicle if more manpower is required.
An update was provided on the ‘Tween Waters Inn Island Resort’s kitchen.
“The temporary one is up and running,” Pawul said. “The old kitchen is almost torn down.”
Also at the meeting, he told the commission about a program he has applied for that would benefit veterans and active military by allowing them to use their military incentives toward training.
“I don’t have it approved yet,” Pawul said. “I’m still working with the VA (Veterans Affairs).”
He also reported to the commission that this may be the last year for the annual Galloway Captiva Triathlon on Captiva. The 2018 event will take place on Sept. 15-16 at the South Seas Island Resort.
“This is the last scheduled year,” Pawul said.
During the month of June, the Captiva Island Fire Control District responded to 40 incidents, conducted 226 hours of training and held a total of 17 fire inspections.