Erie County Comptroller Mark C. Poloncarz today issued a major report regarding fire protection in Erie County. The purpose of the report was to examine the current model of fire protection in Erie County, compare that model to comparable counties in New York, and examine the cost of such fire protection to county taxpayers. The report did not examine issues related to safety concerns, such as response time, age of firefighters/equipment, etc.

The report, a copy of which has been sent to all 98 paid and volunteer fire companies in Erie County, finds close proximity between volunteer fire companies in certain towns and communities, and significantly more fire companies in Erie County compared to Monroe or Onondaga Counties. Fire protection in Erie County costs more than $130 million annually for the 115 fire districts served by 98 fire companies with 155 fire stations, with more than $46 million of that expense for suburban volunteer companies. In suburban towns, the fire/hydrant special property tax levy in 2009 was $43.2 million across 83 separate town tax levies. Erie County has the second-highest number of fire companies among counties in New York State, surpassed only slightly by Suffolk County which has 103 fire companies.

Additionally, the report notes that in 2008, volunteer fire districts had slightly more than $12 million in outstanding debt for the 32 districts that reported to the NYS Comptroller which compares favorably to other counties as noted in the report. Using the 2000 census data for those districts, the Comptroller's Office determined that the average debt in those districts was approximately $47 per resident.

Comptroller Poloncarz said, "Given the large number of fire companies in Erie County, the difficulties in recruiting volunteer firefighters from a rapidly declining and aging population base, and the significant expense associated with fire protection, our office recommends that a more substantial study on how to best provide fire service in the 21st Century should be conducted by all local stakeholders. The ultimate aim of such a study should be how to continue providing a high level of fire service to the community while ensuring that taxpayers are not unduly burdened with property taxes and other expenses."

"I know this report will not be well received in some circles. I was advised by some members of the community not to pursue it because it would not be a politically wise thing to do. However, we are not elected to make the politically popular decisions but the right decisions for our constituents. The people deserve to know how much is being spent on necessary services and should have the right to compare district costs."

"That being said, I as well as my staff have the highest respect for the many paid and volunteer firefighters across Erie County. As we unfortunately saw last year with the deaths of firefighters Jonathan Croom and Charles "Chip" McCarthy in Buffalo, what they do is dangerous and demanding and they should be commended for their service," Poloncarz further stated.

Through maps, the Comptroller's report graphically demonstrates the frequent congestion between and among fire companies in many suburban towns. For instance, Amherst has ten (10) fire companies, Cheektowaga has ten (10), Hamburg has eight (8), and Tonawanda has seven (7). The Village of Williamsville has five (5) separate Fire Protection Districts that do not contain fire stations and do not have their own individual fire companies. The report also revealed that (1) the congestion in fire stations has resulted in some households in Erie County being within one (1) mile of five (5) different fire stations; (2) there appears to be no correlation between the size of a company's budget and the number of calls it receives; and, for what appears to be the first of its kind group review, (3) publicly reveals the insurance industry's ratings of every fire company in Erie County.

The report notes how the New York State Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Effectiveness ("Lundine Commission") recommended in April 2008 that local governments and counties examine options regarding the large number of fire companies in New York State. Furthermore, state legislation passed in 2009 provides mechanisms for the consolidation or elimination of special taxing districts, including fire districts, to save money and reduce duplicative services.

The report also provides six (6) major recommendations for County, local and fire officials regarding possible consolidation of companies, local elected official budgetary controls, fire company financial/budgetary disclosures, and shared purchasing to reduce expenses.

"Given the findings of this report, the financial incentives being offered by New York State encouraging studies and analyses of special taxing districts and the close proximity of many fire company service territories at significant cost to the taxpayers, a detailed review of fire protection in Erie County is long overdue."

"I believe Erie County is in the unique position to facilitate a more detailed study of fire protection because the County Department of Emergency Services serves as the countywide fire coordinator and mutual aid coordinator, provides fire training at three County-owned training centers, and maintains the countywide emergency response communications system. The county should take the lead in ensuring its residents are provided with the best fire protection available at the most efficient cost, all the while ensuring that our first responders are provided the best in equipment and leadership to ensure their safety," concluded Poloncarz.

A copy of the report can be found at http://www.erie.gov/comptroller/county_audits.asp.