Subject:
Title
Fire Protection Services Agreement with the City of St. Petersburg to provide fire protection services within the Gandy and Highpoint East Fire Control Districts.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Sitting as the Pinellas County Fire Protection Authority (Authority), approve the Fire Protection Services Agreement with the City of St. Petersburg to provide fire protection services to the Gandy and Highpoint East Fire Control Districts.
• This agreement is combining two current separate agreements: Highpoint East and Gandy Fire Control Districts. There is no change in coverage areas.
• The City of St. Petersburg Agreement provides fire and suppression services to the eastern portion of the Highpoint Fire Control District and the Gandy Fire Control District.
o Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 Funding for Highpoint East = $598,318.26
o FY23-24 Funding for Gandy = $75,293.44
• The initial term of this agreement shall be for five years (10-1-23 to 9-30-28). It may be extended for an additional five-year period. The Authority will compensate the City of St. Petersburg for providing fire protection services within the unincorporated portions of its districts and is consistent with the FY24 Adopted Budget within the Fire Districts fund.
• The previous agreement for East Highpoint Fire Protection Services was approved for FY23 County Funding in the amount of $558,653.56; and FY24 County Funding will be $598,318.26, an increase of $39,664.70. The unincorporated % went up from 39.8% to 40.2%. Total budget went up 5.9% (5.7% for personnel and 7.7% for operating).
• The previous agreement for Gandy Fire Protection Services was approved for FY23 County Funding in the amount of $77,626.89; and FY24 County Funding will be $75,293.44, a decrease of $2,333.45. The unincorporated % went down from 0.19% to 0.18%. Total budget went up 2.38% over FY23.
Authorize the Chairman to sign and the Clerk of the Circuit Court to attest.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationship and public outreach
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
Summary
Fire Protection Services Agreement with the City of St. Petersburg to provide fire and suppression services to the Gandy and Highpoint East Fire Control Districts.
Body
Background Information:
The Fire Control Districts and associated agreements for Belleair Bluffs, Clearwater, Dunedin, Gandy, Highpoint East, Highpoint West, Largo, Pinellas Park, Safety Harbor, Seminole, and Tarpon Springs include unincorporated areas that are contiguous with the boundaries of their respective contractor. Fire stations strategically placed ensure efficient response to the unincorporated areas as well as to the cities. The current design for fire protection in these eleven fire districts allows for high-quality service delivery to the unincorporated areas at a fair cost to the property owners.
The initial term of this Agreement shall be for five (5) years, commencing October 1, 2023, and ending at midnight September 30, 2028. This Agreement may be extended for an additional five (5) year period following the initial term upon mutual agreement in writing.
Funds provided pursuant to the Agreement are derived from ad valorem taxes collected from MSTUs.
The County’s funding amount to staff and operate the station is calculated as a proportionate share between the City and the County based upon property values for the Highpoint East Fire District. This is the methodology used by the County for the Dependent Fire Districts. The City of St. Petersburg operates the County’s Fire Station 14 that serves the East Highpoint and Feather Sound areas.
Similarly, the County pays the proportionate share of the unincorporated Gandy Fire District as compared to the City of St. Petersburg. This service area is covered by the City’s Fire Station 13.
This agreement combines Fire Protection Services for the Gandy and Highpoint East Fire Control Districts with the City of St. Petersburg. Previously, they were separate agreements.
The previous agreement for East Highpoint Fire Protection Services with the City of St. Petersburg was approved for FY23 County Funding in the amount of $558,653.56; and that FY24 County Funding will be $598,318.26, resulting in an increase of $39,664.70. The unincorporated % went up from 39.8% to 40.2% (1.0% increase). Total budget went up 5.9% (5.7% for personnel and 7.7% for operating).
Largest drivers were salaries / wages and repair and maintenance.
The previous agreement for Gandy Fire Protection Services with the City of St. Petersburg was approved for FY23 County Funding in the amount of $77,626.89; and that FY24 County Funding will be $75,293.44, resulting in a decrease of $2,333.45. The unincorporated % went down from 0.19% to 0.18% (5.3% reduction). Total budget only went up 2.38% over FY23 so the 5.3% reduction in the unincorporated % is the main driver in the reduction for FY24.
Fiscal Impact:
The County shall pay Contractor monthly in arrears in approximately equal installments beginning November 2023 in accordance with Appendices A and F.
Budgeted and available in the Highpoint and Gandy Fire District funds.
FY23-24 Funding for Highpoint East = $598,318.26
FY23-24 Funding for Gandy = $75,293.44
Staff Member Responsible:
James G. Fogarty, Director, Safety and Emergency Services
Partners:
City of St. Petersburg
Attachments:
Fire Protection Services Agreement - St. Petersburg for Gandy and Highpoint East