MOUNT VERNON — The city will add another firefighter to the ranks of the Mount Vernon Fire Department in an effort to get caught up on commercial business inspections.
City council members increased the number of firefighter/paramedics to 34 to accommodate a second fire inspector. The legislation also changes the title of Fire Prevention Officer to Fire Marshall.
Fire Chief Chad Christopher said that Fire Marshall Terry Davis’ day is filled with new-build construction, safety inspections on new businesses, following up on complaints, and, periodically, arson investigations.
“So, we are lacking getting back into our businesses doing our regular normal fire inspections,” he said.
According to Christopher, those inspections keep businesses safe for workers, patrons, and surrounding property owners.
Christopher said adding another fire inspector has been on his radar for a while, especially with the additional funding from taking on College Township.
“My goal is we need to get back into 100% of our businesses and do our fire safety inspections,” Christopher said. “I think with the addition of another full-time employee we can achieve that, and we can also achieve more.”
Christopher plans to change the name of the Fire Prevention Bureau to the Community Risk Reduction Bureau once the additional person is hired.
“That addresses all kinds of safety programs for the city, and that additional personnel will help support that function as well,” he said of the name change.
EMS billing helps fund the additional fire inspector
Although Christopher did not budget for the position, conversations with administration early in the year led to a wait-and-see mindset come June.
June conversations showed the department is in good financial shape and can afford the additional firefighter.
Christopher said EMS billing will help offset the cost of the position.
Billing revenue previously went into the general fund. Now, it goes to the fire department. The city put $1.5 million of EMS billing into a treasury bond.
“EMS billing is a stabilizing force for the fire department,” Safety-service Director Tanner Salyers said.
Additionally, fire department personnel worked with Development Services Manager Lacie Blankenhorn to identify services on new builds that the department provided for free.
The department now charges an inspection fee on new builds.
Based on past activity, inspection fees will generate around $1,500 a month. That $1,500 can also help offset the costs of the additional firefighter.
Salyers noted that the city uses the $500,000 that College Township pays annually for coverage to offset equipment maintenance costs. That frees up some of the fire income tax revenue for other uses.
Salyers said the city will hire internally for the second fire inspector.
The Civil Service Commission and the union must approve the position. The collective bargaining agreement governs the position’s salary.
