The Sedona Fire District Governing Board unanimously approved the budget for the upcoming fiscal year — one that is less than 2 percent more than the current budget.
The final numbers came in at $17,290,812 for the fiscal year that begins July 1. This is up $296,718, or 1.75 percent, over the 2017-18 budget.
The largest piece of the pie will go toward wages and benefits at $12,876,970 while capital improvement projects and debt services carry a combined price tag of $1,848,375.
Finance Director Gabe Buldra said revenues saw a bump based on the assessed value of homes in the district while at the same time cuts were made in many areas and savings were seen in insurance and retirement benefits.
“The 1.7 percent increase is very good,” he said, noting that in early discussions the projected budget was as high as $17.9 million. “Many of our clients are seeing around a 4 to 5 percent annual increase year over year. So, we’re pleased to see this small of an increase in the budget without cutting service or
reducing the operational readiness of the organization.”
Buldra added that the upcoming budget is about 10 percent higher than it was a decade ago at $15.5 million, which included adding Sedona Fire Station 6 four years ago.
“I wanted to thank you, Chief, Gabe and everyone else involved in helping to bring this budget down with just a 1.75 percent gain,” Board Clerk Corrie Cooperman said. “It’s very helpful to our citizens and the taxes they pay.”
Board Chairman Dave Soto also praised SFD personnel who agreed to delay a cost of living increase and their willingness to change health care providers, which saves the district even more money.
The item was set up as a public hearing, but neither of the two people in the audience chose to speak on it.
Following the meeting, Chief Kris Kazian said SFD’s goal is to provide the best possible emergency services to the community. They provide EMS, rescue and fire services over 4,500 times a year, as well as providing vital non-emergency services day in and day out, he said.
“This budget shows an overall increase of 1.75 percent and a reduction in our mill rate,” Kazian said. “We have worked tirelessly to develop sustainable and efficient strategies to maintain our service and our ability to make a difference when 911 is called. I am proud of the fiscally responsible budget as approved. It is important to note we have made significant cuts to get the budget as low as we possibly can without cutting core services while also meeting our long-term capital needs.”
Ron Eland can be reached at 282-7795 ext. 122, or email reland@larsonnewspapers.com