Tempers flare over fire training

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: March 20, 2010 12:00 PM

A fiery debate has engulfed a North Okanagan Regional District function. Politicians and administrators will scrutinize a review of the fire training centre because some officials insist costs have gone the wrong direction. “It was never intended that there would be full-time staff of any type,” said director Will Hansma. “The overall budget for the fire training centre is unacceptable.” The total budget for the centre is $276,000, with $105,000 coming through taxation from the various jurisdictions. The remainder comes from user fees and other revenue sources. Total wages and benefits for four full-time equivalent staff positions is $120,000, including $50,000 for a trainer hired on contract. “There wasn’t supposed to be staff,” said director Wayne Lippert. “The city has its own training officer and all we need is to lease the building.” Lippert believes some duties at the Pottery Road training centre could be contracted out. He is also concerned increased costs are forcing fire departments from outside of the North Okanagan not to use the facility, which negatively impacts revenue.

According to NORD staff, the centre’s budget was based on consultation with fire departments. “They need technicians and co-ordination beyond just attending there,” said Greg Betts, chief administrative officer. “They value our assistance in recruit training and the burn building.”

Some board members are supporting the budget. “The increases this year are because of reserves and not because of staff,” said director Mike Macnabb. “The fire chiefs want this function.” One area that Macnabb supports is marketing the facility in an attempt to gain rental revenue from outside fire departments. “It can be a profit centre. Why would we destroy something that could make a profit, which goes back to the members (jurisdictions)?” he said.