During a budget workshop last week, Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker requested that city aldermen include money for two more full-time firefighters in the 3013-14 city budget.
The city fire department was a volunteer department with no paid members until last year, when aldermen funded a full-time fire administrator at $35,350.
Parker was chosen for that position.
The chief voiced his thanks to the mayor and board of aldermen for their support in the past, but said more needs to be done to keep the fire department up to speed.
“The biggest thing we're asking for again this time is to see if we can add some personnel,” Parker told the board.
“I know we made a big accomplishment last year by putting one (paid position) on. I do appreciate that. I think that is giving us a good start to move forward. But there are still a lot of things to maintain.
“We still have a shortage of personnel during the day time. We've got people who work second and third shift now that can't always get out during the day time.
“The biggest part of our day crew works at some of these factories or out of town and can't come. So we're at a shortage through the day,” Parker said.
Parker urged the aldermen to allow funding for two new 40-hour-per-week firefighters.
He said yearly salaries would be set at $28,000-$32,000 based on qualifications, experience, training and time of service.
“There is only so much that one person can do here at the fire hall,” the chief said. “I can keep up with the reports and the paperwork that occurs daily, but for safety I can't respond to calls without someone else.
“The real work takes more help. We have hydrants that need to be flushed and tested twice a year. Right now, we do not meet the state standards with our hydrants.
“We have several business and factory pre-plans that need to be started and updated so we know if they add chemicals or other hazards. The normal maintenance on the vehicles and buildings can be overwhelming at times and the volunteers can only do so much at night,” said the chief.
“Two positions at 40 hours each like me would allow us to do all of this and more. We could actually get someone certified to do fire inspections and possibly start responding to first responder medical calls.
“I am working with our ISO representative on things to lower our classification.”
He said that adding any personnel would help lower the department’s ISO rating. With the new ladder truck and some extra work, the department should be able to lower the classification at least one and maybe two classes.
“A lower ISO rating would result in lower insurance rates for the public. A lower ISO rating and at least some full-time positions would also be attractive to industries looking to relocate here,” Parker said.
If approved, the budget for the fire department would total $330,000, up from the $185,902 2012-13 budget.
Janice Plemmons-Jackson, Smithville’s  financial consultant, warned against the addition of recurring expenses to the budget.
She said that even though the city’s general fund reserves total over $3 million, revenue streams for annual operation are not keeping pace with spending, and the unfortunate side effect could be  a property-tax increase in the near future.
Chief Parker also proposed changes to the bonus pay volunteer firefighters receive.
Funds to compensate volunteers are included in the department’s budget every year, including $50,000 for “payment to volunteers.”
“Currently, we pay a $500 bonus to firefighters who have served over 10 years,” Parker said. “I would like to change that to $250 for every five years of service. I hope this will increase the incentive to stay with the department. At present, that would add about five firefighters at $1,250.”
Parker said he would like to increase the telephone budget from $2,500 to $3,500 as well.
“The main reason for the increase is we want to purchase iPads for the engines and rescue trucks,” Parker told the board.
“The monthly internet fee will be $30 per device per month. The 911 center is in the process of changing their mapping system and with the purchase of iPads we will be able to directly connect with 911.
“The iPads will also aid in finding hydrants making it quicker responding to a fire. We will also be able to upload information on our businesses, their layout, hazards, notes, or any information we would be able to have in real time,” Parker said.
Parker said the department’s fleet is in reasonable working condition, but some replacement of vehicles would be necessary in the future.
"Our vehicle fleet is in pretty good shape. This year will put our 1992 fire engine at 21 years old, and the 2001 engine at 11 years old, which means that within four years the oldest one will be considered an antique, and the other will be 15 years old,” the chief said.
“I think the people of Smithville deserve better than having an antique fire engine to protect them. I think we need to starting planning now because we know we are going to have to purchase vehicles in the not so distant future so let's plan for it.”
The mayor and aldermen plan to hold another budget workshop on May 28 at city hall.
The new budget year begins July 1.