Fire Service Consolidation Study

The purpose of this study is to evaluate opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, improve value, strengthen resiliency, and deliver a consistent level of fire-safety services for Northern Beaufort County. The objectives of the study include eliminating jurisdictional response boundaries, strengthening resiliency through unified planning, standardizing compensation and benefits among participating agencies, and determining the minimum service-level expectations of the community. The scope of work includes establishing the current and anticipated total cost of service for all participating agencies, comparing existing residential, commercial, and non-residential fire-service delivery costs to projected costs under a consolidated system, providing funding recommendations, identifying and proposing solutions for addressing debt service and other financial obligations, determining the minimum service-level expectations of the community, assessing the resources and costs required to meet the defined level of service, assessing differences in wages, benefits, and retirement plans among participating agencies, and proposing a plan to standardize total compensation. Some key points to consider: • The study will evaluate opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and improve value in fire-safety services. • The scope of work includes establishing the current and anticipated total cost of service for all participating agencies. • The study will provide funding recommendations and identify solutions for addressing debt service and other financial obligations. • The study will assess the resources and costs required to meet the defined level of service. • The study will propose a plan to standardize total compensation among participating agencies.