By RAY BALOG
Staff Writer

“We’re in pretty good shape.”

That’s the assessment of Turkey Creek Township Fire Chief Mickey Scott as he presented the budget expenditures for January and February at Monday night’s meeting of the Turkey Creek Township Advisory Board.

With 16.67 percent of the calendar year elapsed, the Turkey Creek Fire Territory has spent less than 10 percent of its allotted budget.

Only three of the 32 line items came in over their pro-rated share, and only one of the overages was significant. The territory has spent over half its office supply budget for the year, but no fiscal problems are anticipated. “We got caught up on our supplies,” explained Scott, “and what we have now will last a while.”

Scott also presented a progress report on the second-story addition and first-floor renovations to Station 1.

The contractor has replaced the drywall on the north bay ceiling with easier-to-clean metal pole interior panels; and has installed the rubber roof, downspouts, second-floor insulation and stairs on the north side of the building.

Ongoing construction includes plumbing and electrical work, installation of a sprinkler system, heating and cooling duct work, second-floor windows and a second set of stairs on the station’s south side.

The fire department is also working with its alarm company to install a call box in the foyer and install and connect smoke alarms to the alarm system.

Scott requested and received approval to move forward with an emergency call paging system on the second floor, which will involve installation of a remote base unit and speakers. The $6,915.33 cost will be taken from the territory’s equipment replacement budget.

The board also heard Scott’s request to add one person to the payroll to “help eliminate overtime.” He will present a cost-analysis spreadsheet at a future meeting.

In other business, the board and Scott discussed the issue of fire personnel opting for 77 Police and Fire PERF benefits. Among the ramifications.

• The decision is permanent. “Once a position is made 77 it is always a 77,” said Scott.
• Personnel are required to undergo an initial mental examination and yearly physical exams to remain in the program.
• The territory must form a safety board, typically comprised of elected officials, which will meet when there is an issue to be resolved.

The Turkey Creek Township Advisory Board meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of the month at Syracuse Fire Station 2.

(For a more in-depth account of the meeting, see this week’s issue of The Mail-Journal.)