Agenda - Council - 01/22/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Task 3-D: Fiscal Analysis ESCI uses computer -driven model budgets for each agency to allow a comparative examination of the actual public costs for each fire agency, and as a tool for analyzing the financial effects of any type of consolidation or cooperative effort. Budget modeling is also used to measure the effects of the proposed change(s). Funding mechanisms are identified and comprehensive financial outcomes are provided for each consolidation strategy offered. • Review and analyze department budgets and revenues • Review separate budgets • Develop projected consolidated budget extending to a minimum of five years • Identify financial issues of consolidation • Identify areas of short and long-term savings and costs Fiscal analysis is an important component of the emergency services evaluation. Long-term survival of an emergency services system requires that the system be adequately funded. ESCI determines the fiscal state of each agency, and develops recommendations on improving the financial resources available for emergency services. All recommendations are consistent with the municipalities' financial capability to provide adequate, cost effective services to citizens. In addition, budgeting practices are thoroughly examined, and alternate methodologies may be suggested. In addition to the fiscal state evaluation of each agency, ESCI will present an evaluation of various funding alternatives to assist the region in the sharing of the cost of providing any consolidated or merged emergency services. Presented alternatives will include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following: • Funding based on: ■ Redirected funds ■ Charitable foundations ■ Mill levy • Cost allocation based on: ■ Area ■ Assessed value ■ Deployment ■ Service demand ■ Fixed rate ■ Population ■ Multiple variables Task 3-E: Findings, Recommendations, and Plan of Implementation Any cooperative venture among the agencies presents the organizational leaders with a series of challenges. Successful implementation of this proposal will require that significant matters be addressed regardless of which form of consolidation is chosen. Those issues will be identified here. • Findings ■ Feasibility of each option will be presented • Preferred Option ■ The preferred option or options will be presented and discussed at length • Policy Action ■ Necessary policy action by the elected bodies will be described. In addition, a general description of the operating procedures necessary to initiate shared services will be provided. ESCI Project: Shared Services Study Ramsey, Minnesota Page 12