AGENDA DATE: 9/6/2023
TITLE:
Title
Mutual Aid Agreement for Fire and Rescue Services Between Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Approval of Mutual Aid Agreement for Fire and Rescue Services between Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville.
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Henry, Rosenberg, Farley, Eggleston
PRESENTER (S): Dan Eggleston
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: In May 2000, the County of Albemarle and the City of Charlottesville entered into a comprehensive agreement to provide fire and emergency services to specific response areas within Albemarle County. The primary objective of this agreement was to ensure uninterrupted and dependable fire protection while the County developed its own fire rescue system to effectively meet current and future public safety requirements. Initially, the agreement had a duration of ten years, starting on July 1, 2000, and ending on June 30, 2010. In 2008, an amendment was introduced to grant the County the flexibility to extend the agreement for up to three additional terms, until June 30, 2013. The County exercised this extension option twice, maintaining the agreement under its original terms.
In 2013, as the Ivy Fire Rescue station was scheduled to open, the County and City staff engaged in negotiations to formulate a new contract for fire services. Subsequently, an agreement was reached and approved by the Board, outlining the provision of fire services until June 30, 2018. Additionally, the agreement included the option to extend it for an additional five-year term, until June 2023. The County exercised this extension opportunity, allowing ample time to fully staff a 24/7 paramedic level ambulance and fire engine at the Pantops Fire Rescue Station, further strengthening the Fire Rescue system.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission - To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all community members through the provision of the of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: Albemarle County Fire Rescue and the Charlottesville Fire Department have built a strong and enduring partnership based on collaboration and cooperation. Although the long-standing fire services agreement came to an end on June 30, 2023, both departments remained dedicated to maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship.
The attached mutual aid agreement (Attachment A) is a transition towards a more cooperative and reciprocal partnership. Under this agreement, both fire departments are committed to providing service support without direct financial reimbursement.
The attached agreement establishes the terms under which fire and rescue assistance is provided between the two jurisdictions. Staff have reviewed and approved the updated agreement.
BUDGET IMPACT: The approval of the proposed mutual aid agreement was presumed during the formation of the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 24) budget. The FY 24 Albemarle County Fire Rescue operating budget includes funding for the final payment for services provided by the City of Charlottesville under the previous fire services agreement. The budget impact of these agreement changes was captured as part of the Fire Rescue multi-year financial and staffing plan, and future savings created by this agreement change will partially support increased services for Albemarle County Fire Rescue operations.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment B) to approve the mutual aid agreement for fire and rescue services with the City of Charlottesville (Attachment A) and to authorize the County Executive to execute the agreement once it has been approved as to substance and form by the County Attorney.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Mutual Aid Agreement
B - Resolution