Fairview FD Executive Deputy Chief

[x635 4,066]

From Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner's email list.

What role or void will this position replace or fill? Will another FF have to be fired, and another promoted as well? Will this affect the much needed firehouse expansions and renovations they really need?

FAIRVIEW FIRE DISTRICT TO VOTE ON APPROVING NEW POSITION THAT WILL COST YOU $160,000+A YEAR---EXECUTIVE DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF. MEETING THURSDAY NIGHT AT 7:30 PM FAIRVIEW FIRE HOUSE 19 ROSEMONT BLVD, WHITE PLAINS
YOU MIGHT LOSE YOUR TAX REBATE FROM THE STATE IF TAX CAP IS OVERRULED BY FAIRVIEW FIRE DISTRICT, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, SCHOOL DISTRICTS---

The Fairview Fire district Board of Commissioners is proceeding with plans to approve a new position that will cost taxpayers at least $160,000 a year. The position: Executive Deputy Fire Chief. The position never existed before. Some residents have contacted me and have asked me to encourage residents of the Fairview Fire district to attend the next meeting of the Fire District: THIS THURSDAY February 13 at 7:30 PM--- 19 Rosemont Blvd. It is possible that the Fairview Fire District Board of Commissioners could finalize their decision to fund this position this Thursday night and to hire someone. They had previously indicated that they would create the position.

The Fairview Fire district is totally independent of the Town of Greenburgh. Commissioners are elected to their positions (elections are held in December) and commission meetings are not televised. Very little scrutiny by the public. Some people incorrectly think that the Fire district tax is part of the town taxes. The fire district tax bill is included in the town tax bill--the town acts as a collection agent. It's interesting -- most people now pay almost the same for fire district taxes as they do for town municipal services even though the town offers many different services.

I share the concerns people have. The position never existed. I doubt that it is needed. The cost to the taxpayers will be enormous: over $160,000+ a year (new position). If the position is funded it will make it more difficult for the Fairview Fire district to comply with the tax cap next year (some of the fire districts have over-ridden the tax cap in previous years).

There is a proposal in Albany that will penalize communities that do not comply with the tax cap. State lawmakers are considering a plan that will reward citizens who live in communities that comply with the tax cap with a tax credit or check from NYS. If your local government entity overrules the tax cap you will not get the tax credit from NYS or a check from the state to help reduce your property taxes. Among the proposals: Governor Andrew Cuomo's state of the state address on January 22 recommended a two year property tax freeze for homeowners if their local school districts and local governments stay under the tax levy cap for two years and share services or consolidate with other districts to save 1% of the levy a year for three years. The rebate would likely be between $150-$350 a year per household.

If the Fairview Fire district creates a new position that never existed before (and some people feel may not be needed) the tax bills of every Fairview resident will go up to pay for the costs. And, your future tax credit could be in jeopardy.

If you reside in the Fairview Fire district you should attend the meeting on Thursday, February 13 at 19 Rosemont Blvd (Fire house) at 7:30 PM.
If you can't attend the meeting you could write to the Fairview Fire Commissioners at 19 Rosemont Blvd, White Plain, NY 10602. Ask for justification about the position.
I will be attending a meeting of other municipal officials on Thursday night and will not be at this meeting but will be expressing my concerns about the position to the commissioners and will invite the Board to appear before a Town Board meeting to discuss ways we can all chip in and cut costs.
PAUL FEINER

[gamewell45 258]

From Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner's email list.

What role or void will this position replace or fill? Will another FF have to be fired, and another promoted as well? Will this affect the much needed firehouse expansions and renovations they really need?

I'm wondering what the Fairview Fire Department's response will be? I'm sure they'll give some sort of justification as to why they are creating this position and what the position will entail.

[x635 4,066]

Now that I think about it and I'm not posting when I'm falling asleep, I think that I remember the Fairview's had this position for a while, and now they are making it official. The salary is in line with what that title is already making.

This email blast was out of line. Fairview already has a tough enough time getting funding. Over 50% of their district is tax exempt. They are the busiest district in the Town of Greenburgh, and has the most low income residents in the three districts. And every time they have a referendum, like to renovate and expand their completely cramped, obsolete, and dangerous firehouses, it gets voted down. Now this is going to stick in the voters minds, and further hurt Fairview when they ask for funding in the future.

[velcroMedic1987 330]

What exactly is an "executive deputy chief" anyway?

[Bnechis 3,961]

What exactly is an "executive deputy chief" anyway?

One that comes to work with a monogramed brief case.

[dc2t 80]

And drinks Starbucks coffee

[robert benz 344]

Now that I think about it and I'm not posting when I'm falling asleep, I think that I remember the Fairview's had this position for a while, and now they are making it official. The salary is in line with what that title is already making.

This email blast was out of line. Fairview already has a tough enough time getting funding. Over 50% of their district is tax exempt. They are the busiest district in the Town of Greenburgh, and has the most low income residents in the three districts. And every time they have a referendum, like to renovate and expand their completely cramped, obsolete, and dangerous firehouses, it gets voted down. Now this is going to stick in the voters minds, and further hurt Fairview when they ask for funding in the future.

What other depts. have this position? And what does it mean that the salary is in line with what the title is already making?

[Bnechis 3,961]

http://www.lohud.com/article/20140213/NEWS02/302130065

This explains it

[wraftery 1,275]

What other depts. have this position? And what does it mean that the salary is in line with what the title is already making?

Fairview's "Executive Deputy Chief" was a title that was invented by Chief Mauro a few years ago. I don't know if it is used anywhere else. The EDC, I believe works straight days at DC pay plus a stipend. I think he does Admin duties. They did it round-robin with their five DCs.

I think it was just to mess with Civil Service since Civil Service had no such thing. It wasn't a promotion. It wasn't acting out-of-title, it wasn't anything civil service knew what to do with. So there ya go, Bobby, I don't know for sure where it belongs either.