City of Bucyrus JEFF RESER, MAVOR SerPnevA WaonER Juctnus fon. saNOUSKY NEW amit ae BUCYRUS, Oh 44800 (ev ae0rar a oe se24019 "The small ily ww cilyorbueyrusohus Inthe migsie of ‘everywhorel” 5-15-20 Regarding Resolution 219-2020 Dear City Council members: On May 7", Bucyrus City Council voted 7-0 to direct the Mayor to apply for the SAFER grant that would add six firefighters to our current staff in anticipation of providing emergency medical services (EMS) in our Fire Department beginning in 2022. The six firefighters would be hired this later this year and would be funded in part by the SAFER grant for three years. The cost of a firefighter to taxpayers is approximately $100,000 per year including pension and benefits. If the SAFER grant is received then the expected cost to taxpayers would be approximately $150,000 in 2021 and 2022 and substantially more in 2023. Taxpayers would assume full cost of approximately $600,000 (six firefighters) beginning in 2024. Expected revenue from EMIS is anticipated to be approximately $350,000 per year, beginning in 2022. Additional cost for an ambulance and equipment are incurred in addition to the cost of personnel. A major requirement of applying for the grant is that the applicant (us) agrees to maintain the current level of firefighters (14) throughout the period of the grant 2021-2023. During the last economic downturn layoffs were needed in both the FD and the PD to balance the city budget. The COVID-19 pandemic is a reality and has been quickly felt with a substantial reduction in our city tax revenue. We anticipate a significant reduction in revenue in 2020 and 2021—possible up to 20% of our total tax revenue which would be $1,200,000. The vast majority of income tax revenue is spent on Safety Forces so layoffs may be needed to match our revenue. In applying for the SAFER grant these layoffs can only be performed in the Police Department since the current level of FD staffing is required to be maintained as a condition of the grant application. The reduction in staff at the Police department would have devastating effect on the safety of our citizens and | cannot allow this to take place. In addition, | don’t believe that the citizens of Bucyrus want the Police department to be singled out for staff reductions. Auditor Joyce Schifer has warned City Council and all residents that the requirements of the SAFER grant could lead the City of Bucyrus to fiscal emergency—the State of Ohio would then come in and manage our city’s finances. | will not let this happen during my term in office. Cityresidents have overwhelmingly put their faith in me and Auditor Schifer in past elections and we will do everything we can do to shield tax dollars and guide us through this challenging economic situation, You have our pledge on that. Regarding the addition to EMS to our own Fire Department, we must be cautious and be sure that we can afford to so in 2022 when the current contract with Portsmouth Ambulance service expires. In normal economic times | believe bringing EMS to the FD to be a proper thing to do. | proposed this very idea in 2017 and it was voted down 7-0 by City Council. | eagerly await the Teport on the possibility of providing EMS from Dr. William Kramer who is completing a ‘comparative study. This study will give us valuable information from a leading expert with impeccable credentials in the field of fire safety and EMS. The effects of COVID-19 have changed everything and it is too early to tell what direction we should be taking financially in 2022. Planning for the possible addition of EMS does not have to be done now. We must look at every option available and we pledge to do just that as our ‘economic situation becomes clear. | am recommending that we ask the citizens of Bucyrus to give their opinions if EMS is a service that should be provided by the City. The town hall format will be the best means of determining the pulse of the citizens and whether the taxpayers may be willing to fund EMS through a ballot initiative Several members of City Council have suggested that the City may turn down the grant if awarded. | find this to be troubling since our hands are tied if staff reductions are needed until the grant is awarded. In addition, turning down the grant could be @ negative factor if applying for the grant in the future. Future aid to municipalities is being discussed in Congress at this 12 and we may also find that the SAFER grant would be available in the future at 100% coverage as it was in 2011. Prudence dictates 2 wait and see attitude at this uncertain time in ‘our City’s history. Today, | announce that I am vetoing Resolution 219-2020 because itis not in the best interest for the citizens of Bucyrus since it places their very safety at risk as well as placing the dangerous path to fiscal emergency. Sincerely, feff Reser, Mayor