New York State Comptroller Audit
Embedded Files
The work continues in 2023!
What does this mean to taxpayers?
The District has CONSISTENTLY overtaxed citizens above and beyond budgeted spending over the past 3.5 years. During the budget planning process for the coming year (2022), the board was FORCED to give back some of the monies. However, the board also cautioned citizens this was a one-time giveback.
Because there is a union contract in place until 2023, the only way to lower costs is to cut the contributions to the building and equipment reserve funds. The board froze reserve fund contributions for 2022, but has already stated that equipment funds will be collected in 2023 and Commissioners Skidmore/Williamson have added a new firehouse to the plan for 2024. This can only mean one thing: MORE TAXES.
The union contract will expire on 12/31/2023. The Chief has been an advocate of adding firefighters until we get to the union-chartered "NFPA standard" of 4 firefighters per truck times two trucks, AROUND THE CLOCK. This represents an increase in spending of more $2 million per year (40%). The current board (minus Hogan/Dewey) is in favor of this plan. Hogan/Dewey support the "2 in / 2 out" standard of 4 firefighters per call; 2 for EMS calls -- NOT THE CURRENT 6 per call. This would save the district over $1 million annually with no impact to safety.
The complete audit can be found here: NYS Comptrollers Office Fishers Fire District Audit
District's Annual CPA Audit
Annual Audit Key Findings What does this mean to taxpayers?
Post Employment Benefits
The Fishers Fire District currently has a plan that will provide health care benefits post retirement. For 20-24 years of service, the district will pay 80% of the health care premium; 25-29 years of service, the district covers 90%; 30 or more years, the district covers 100%!
During the annual audit review, Mr. McDonald (the outside auditor) spoke about the health care retirement benefit. As of December 31, 2020, the liability to the district was $890,015. It is important to note that NO MONIES have been allocated and reserved for this future financial obligation. Taxpayers will be in for a HUGE surprise in the future.
The auditor suggested we renegotiate this item with the union ASAP. Supervisor Jack Marren (who was at the meeting) stated that the Town of Victor had a similar plan and ended it several years ago because it was an UNLIMITED future financial burden that the town thought was not prudent. There was no interest expressed by the current board (except for Hogan) to address this issue until the next union contract negotiation.
Overtaxation
During the review of the audit, Mr. McDonald voiced concerns that the district was collecting too much taxes from the residents. He suggested the board should use some of its unassigned assets to reduce future budget.
Mr. McDonald also suggested the board should ensure it has realistic costs/revenue assessments going forward.
Similar to the findings from NYS, McDonald, Cointot and Crouse has said that citizens were overtaxed and that monies should be returned to taxpayers.
In recent weeks, there has been an effort by several Commissioners to remove this firm from future audits. It was stated that "He gave away too much information to the public and voiced his own opinions." These same Commissioners voted to keep the auditor's letter to Fishers management a secret from the public. As usual, zero transparency and public information withheld.
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