We were very interested to see an announcement of the imminent retirement of the County’s Director of Emergency Services late last week. Recently we have been working with that Director and the County Administration on ways to evolve a more efficient, cost effective emergency services capability for Martin County. As our members and readers know, we have vigorously disagreed with the County Commission’s approval of the last two 3-year contracts with the International Association of Firefighters Union. The across-the-board compounded raises that unfairly benefit the highest paid Lieutenants and Chiefs, and the management concessions that assured excessive overtime simply couldn't be justified given the resulting rise in the cost of providing those services. However, we are truly appreciative of the capable, award winning organization that has evolved during Steve Wolfberg’s 28 years of service, especially his years directing development of these capabilities. We wish him well in his new career helping other communities develop their emergency services potential.

The rapid departure of the Director evoked an interesting “cost saving” suggestion from the IAFF that centered on devolution of control by not filling the Director position. Opening of this position at the top and the Union’s apparent willingness to embrace a major change in management may help foster something our Association has been advocating for several years, melding of the Stuart Fire/EMS and the Martin County Fire/EMS into one countywide organization. We believe that finding a way to combine these organizations is critical because they offer what many residents of our aging society arguably consider the most valuable service provided by our local governments. Unfortunately, given the twin realities of excessive costs and projected budget shortfalls, current/desired levels of service cannot be maintained without significant changes in both departments. We believe the only way that a satisfactory countywide response time by adequately trained and equipped Fire and EMS professionals can be sustained is by the efficiencies that could result from a combined/restructured system. This is especially true for the next few years as our governments deal with falling revenues, rising personnel and energy costs and State mandated tax reform.

The short-term cost reductions would come from closing at least one station that provides overlapping service, reducing senior management positions in both organizations and controlling overtime by redistributing personnel. Longer-term advantages would result from having less duplicative equipment, incorporating common maintenance procedures and, hopefully, reduced personnel cost through negotiation of more realistic contracts by more aware elected officials.

We also believe that an oversight Board/Commission made up of elected representatives from each of the Counties’ governments, overseeing a countywide Fire/EMS service funded by an equitable countywide tax, may be the best way to control this expensive, but critically necessary service. In addition, this Board/Commission could work closely with nearby county governments/commissions to help resist the ratcheting up of salaries and benefits by “competing” IAFF contracts. We appreciate the opportunity to work closely with all concerned to help achieve such an equitable and sustainable capability for Martin County.

Your Taxpayers’ Association would like to express our appreciation to the School Superintendent, School Board, County Administrator and County Commission for approving the Interlocal Agreement for televising School Board’s meetings and other activities. We believe this community service is an excellent way to enhance all resident’s understanding and appreciation of our excellent school system. Our highly rated schools are a major contributor to the desirability of living in Martin County. By having the School Board’s deliberations and other activities professionally presented and available to the public at their convenience on MC channel 20 and website will certainly serve to highlight that fact. Well done to all involved in crafting and approving this agreement!