Title
Status of Fire Fee Negotiations with the University of Florida (B)
The City Commission hear a brief update on fire fee negotiations with the University of Florida and provide direction to the City Manager.
Explanation
After several meetings between City staff and University of Florida (UF) staff, a briefing was provided to the City Commission on June 23, 2008 regarding the status fire service fee negotiations. The City Commission provided direction that a letter be sent from the Mayor to the UF President providing a proposal and seeking an agreement whereby UF would compensate the City for fire services provided to UF property. The City Commission also asked staff to provide a progress report to the Commission in October or November. The letter to UF was sent on June 30, 2008. A letter of response from UF President Machen was received on August 5, 2008. The letters and other relevant background material are attached to the agenda item.
The final Fire Services Assessment Memorandum provided by the City's consultant, Government Services Group (GSG), identified the value of the fire services provided to UF property excluding emergency medical services. The value of City fire services provided to UF was ascertained through the same study and methodology used to determine the fire services assessment rates. The study shows the annual value of the fire services provided to UF property as $2,911,255.
There are two government-owned properties that are large, complex operations with significant requirements and/or demands for fire services. Gainesville Regional Airport is on City-owned property and as of October 1, 2008, the Airport's payment to the City for fire services increased due to negotiations resulting in Airport payments that more closely reflect the cost of providing fire services. UF is also a very large complex entity with significant demands for fire services. In the meetings with UF, City staff focused on the City's need to seek cost-recovery for fire services provided to properties on UF's main campus.
Fiscal Note
Based on the City's fire assessment study, the annual fiscal impact of providing fire services to UF is $2,911,255. Revenue to cover the cost of providing fire service to UF comes from the City's general fund.
Recommendation
City Commission direction to the City Manager to prepare a letter to UF President Machen for the Mayor's signature requesting that UF partner with the City to seek annual funding from the State of Florida to offset the City's costs of providing fire services to UF.
Alternate Recommendation #1:
The City broaden negotiations with UF to include a variety of services that UF could provide to support the City that would help offset City expenditures.
Alternate Recommendation #2
Take no further action and discontinue discussions with UF on this topic at this time.