The Sedona Fire District’s 2019-20 budget is officially in the books. The budget was unanimously approved on Tuesday, June 18, in the amount of $17,659,070 up slightly from the 2018-19 budget. This is an increase of $368,258 or 2.1%.
he item was scheduled for a public hearing but there was no one from the audience who wished to speak.
“All members of the Sedona Fire District with program oversight have been consulted during the budget process,” a SFD report states. “The budget, as presented, addresses immediate and future needs and ongoing capital needs/projects.”
The bulk of the budget comes from salaries and benefits, which is expected to be $13,265,122. But this is just a 2% from the current year.
In his recommendations, Acting Chief Jayson Coil wrote, “Staff has worked collectively to develop a budget that is responsive to the changing hazards we face. I believe this budget aligns with the needs of the community through ensuring services and needed support to deliver these services are adequately funded. SFD is a critical component to ensuring essential emergency services are available to the community.
“I am proud of the members of SFD that worked to ensure this budget was efficient. I believe it aligns with the intent outlined by the governing board. I wish to recognize the work and time both staff and program managers have invested in preparing a balanced, fiscally responsible budget.”
SFD’s Finance Director Gabe Buldra said the district is continuing to move forward on its 10-year capital improvement plan. Included will be improvements on Station 4 in Uptown, which will be started sooner than later during that time frame.
“The whole point of the capital plan is the flexibility to adjust as need be,” he said. “If priorities get moved up, we’ll look at reprioritizing other items to ensure there is adequate funding.”
Coil said the first year the district will be paying for work on Station 4 will be Fiscal Year 2022. This means there will be a two-year overlap where they will be paying for both Station 4 and Station 6 at the same time. The Chapel-area station will be paid off in 2024. It will be determined at that time if the funding is in place to improve Station 5 in Oak Creek Canyon.
Ron Eland can be reached at 282-7795, ext. 122 or by email at reland@larsonnewspapers.com
