So, when 911 is called the first Fire Dept. vehicle will show-up within the first six minutes on average. The operating budget is our best-guess estimate of what the Fire Dept. requires to operate over the current year. The fire call volume has a direct effect on the operating budget. If the fire call volume is higher than what was estimated then the operating budget will probably be over budget. Also, if we experience a number of large dollar loss fires, we can expect an increase in the operating budget.
Large fires are usually very labour and equipment intensive.
Vehicles and equipment tend to have a higher frequency of breakdown as a result of a higher call volume. Firefighters wages is usually the line item that is the most difficult to predict. In the past we have taken an average of the last three years in order to calculate the firefighters wages. The capital budget accounts for purchase of large dollar items such as replacement of fire trucks, turnout gear, or rescue equipment. On a yearly basis, we have put capital money into reserve accounts to purchase the large dollar items.