Letter: Why we are still voting No on Measure B

We would like to respond to a recent "Letter to the Editor" on 2/17/20 in which the author infers that we may not have reached out to Lake Valley Fire for information. We have had multiple conversations with LVFPD Board Member, Leona Allen. Ms. Hall sent a letter seeking information and clarification to Chief Alameda which was published in a local newspaper and went unanswered.

Mr. Reynolds states, that our “information is misleading and incorrect” about “budget pay and budgeted overtime”, these “are only a few of the misrepresented facts”. Unfortunately, Mr. Reynolds neglected to mention which other facts we misrepresented. Mr. Reynolds states that taxpayers “only pay $4.9 million” and that other revenues are from other sources. We posit that all the money that goes into the $6.7 million budget comes from taxpayers.

We stand behind the statements regarding the LVFPD Budget made in our letter to the editor on 2/14/20. We urge anyone who is interested to take a look at the Final Actual Budget which is on the LVFPD website. There is also information on the State Controller’s and Transparent California websites regarding Wages, Health and Pensions for LVFPD employees. The information on both of those sites align with public records.

LVFPD 2017/2018 Final Actual & State Controller
Total Revenue $6,779.167
Total - Salaries and Benefits $5,648,908 including Overhead
Salaries, Health and Benefits ($4,669,386) paid to employees
Operations $1,033,891
____________
TOTAL SALARIES,BENEFITS & OPERATIONS - $6,682,799

MONEY FOR NEW EQUIPMENT - $ -0-

Pensions at LTVFPD are another concern. Employees can retire at 55-57 years old. The defined benefits are based on years of service x 2.75%-3% of the Ending Pay. To correct a statement made earlier: Ending Pay does not include Overtime & Other Pay, Ending Pay is based on the Salary only. However, this does not change the example made previously. A firefighter making a salary of $150,000 per year who is 55-57 years old and has worked for 30 years can retire and receive $123,750 per year for life (including a survivor spouse). The LVFPD 2019 top 10 annual pensions range from $97,861 to $138,052.

For the safety of residents and firefighters alike, we want LVFPD to have the best equipment possible. When LVFPD freezes personnel costs, and budgets for equipment costs first, they will be able to balance the budget without endangering the safety of their employees and the residents because of old equipment!

In addition, in order for voters to become more informed on this Measure, LVFPD should release the Fiscal Year 19/20 Final Budget which may show increased revenue received from the new VHR Inspection Fees as per El Dorado County Supervisors’ Resolution 205-2018. According to preliminary information from the El Dorado County Tax Collector and Public Works, there are roughly 1900 VHRs in the unincorporated county. The majority are in the LVFPD and the average inspection fee is $625 per VHR inspection. This an annual fee which the County collects and disperses to LVFPD. After some labor and administrative costs, the additional revenue can be substantial and possibly enough to cover, without a tax increase, the equipment cost shortfalls. Taxpayers need to be informed as to how or if this new revenue might preclude Measure B.

Respectfully,
Tom Yant and Toni Hall
Meyers, Calif.