Roseville Fire Department Eyes Reorganization in 2012

The Roseville Fire Department, under the leadership of Fire Chief Tim O’Neill, is preparing to undergo reorganization in the 2012-2013 budget year.

O’Neil proposed the plan to the City Council at its last regular meeting.

The department, with the departure of two full-time firefighters, has the opportunity to look at how it’s staffed and structured, O'Neill indicated. He  presented a three-part plan for reorganization including a succession plan, focused distribution of responsibilities and an increased role in emergency management, along with moving to a single fire station model.

O"Neill's plan includes adding two positions: a battalion chief of EMS and one of operations. Those positions would work six of the seven daytime shifts, with the seventh shift being worked by a veteran captain.

“This prepares us better for the future,” O'Neill said.

The overall restructuring would also put emergency management completely under the purview of the Fire Department. The battalion chiefs of EMS and Operations would be co-emergency management managers, allowing more attention and structure to the area., he said.

“Emergency management has been sort of a hot potato,” O’Neill said. “It’s something you need to spend a lot of time with it. But you never have enough time to spend.”

The plan has an overall reduction of two positions, both of which are not currently filled. It also includes an administrative support person who has no fire fighting duties. The overall savings of the reorganization would be $108,000 and was included in the 2012-2013 budget proposal.

Earlier in the meeting, Council member Tammy McGehee expressed concern about the changes coming to the Fire Department. “I haven’t been entirely satisfied with the amount and quality of information we get trying to make big decisions here," she said. Looking up a previous report on fire stations, she made a presentation disputing assumptions made in moving to the one fire station model, including building the proposed station.

The rest of the council, however, did not voice similar concerns.

“I just want to say this was a great idea, great work, you’re a huge asset to the community, thank you on behalf of the citizens for saving them money,” said Council member Tammy Prust. “My highest compliment to you is I always trust what you tell me.”

The City Council is expected to revisit the Fire Department reorganization and job descriptions at its Oct. 10 meeting.