Let's compare the Mehlville FPD wth Crestwood for a change!
In the hope of helping understand the Mehlville offer, I post the following for your consideration.
ISO Certification: Both Departments are.
ALS manned trucks: Both Departments have them.
Training up to date: Both Departments are fully trained.
Ambulance service: Mehlville has one, Crestwood has two assigned by Abbott.
Ambulance billing: Both Departments bill the user for services not covered by insurance.
Area knowledge: Crestwood wins hands down!
Response time: Again, Crestwood has the edge of being centrally located (2-3 Min.)
So what's the difference you say? Well here's where we separate the two! Let's say you live on Coffee Dr. and the Mehlville ambulance is in the far south side of their area. This can be the difference between watching your grand children grow up, or not! Sure they have all ALS equipped trucks, right? Well, yes they do, however if no one on the truck is qualified to use it (only a few are,) well your back in deep trouble!
I have also noticed that the calls on Crestwoods south side (where we border Mehlvile FPD) are responded to by a Crestwood pumper truck, Mehlville FPD only sends the ambulance. Why is that Mr. Hilmer, you say you have the resources, the man power to save us all, yet you call us for "mutual aid?"
Now let's move into the cost of this, and, what I believe is the real reason behind this move. First of all, Mr. Hilmer said that he can save us $200,000.00 per year, but can, and will he really do that? In a word, yes, for the first year! Right after well sell off the equipment, fire the 40+ year old firemen (who have protected us for many a year, and will have no chance to be hired by Mehlville,) the worm will turn! AND THEN THE COST WILL RISE!
I can hear you now, "Say it ain't so," Well sorry folks it is as predictable as the fact that the sun will come up tomorrow! Look around you at the Cities that have disbanded and moved to a FPD! Sunset Hills pays $1.09 per hundred of assessed value for the Fenton FPD, and the list goes on!
Now as to "why us?" Well believe me it's not out of the goodness of Mr. Hilmers heart that he proposes this "good samararten" idea, not in the least! You see, Mehlville must expand to continue it's growth pattern (and finances.) Not only that, but a FPD is like a "fiefdom" where the king has an insatiable appetite for more land.
The "why us" part comes when a FPD smells blood in the water! These guy's look at a City having difficulty, and pounce on it like a cat on a mouse, telling us what they can do for us, what they do not say is what they will do to us!
Now to continue my thoughts on this, I ask you why in God's name do any of us wish to sound the death knell for the people who are willing to place their life on the line for us every day? Do any of you really think that a 50 something firefighter will be hired by Mehlville at the same pay scale when they can get a rookie just out of firefighter school?
Folk's, we have firefighters who live right here in Crestwood, they pay taxes just as we do, and as for me, and mine, we salute them, and thank them profusely for the outstanding job they have, and will continue to do!
Tom Ford
NO. 417
ISO Certification: Both Departments are.
ALS manned trucks: Both Departments have them.
Training up to date: Both Departments are fully trained.
Ambulance service: Mehlville has one, Crestwood has two assigned by Abbott.
Ambulance billing: Both Departments bill the user for services not covered by insurance.
Area knowledge: Crestwood wins hands down!
Response time: Again, Crestwood has the edge of being centrally located (2-3 Min.)
So what's the difference you say? Well here's where we separate the two! Let's say you live on Coffee Dr. and the Mehlville ambulance is in the far south side of their area. This can be the difference between watching your grand children grow up, or not! Sure they have all ALS equipped trucks, right? Well, yes they do, however if no one on the truck is qualified to use it (only a few are,) well your back in deep trouble!
I have also noticed that the calls on Crestwoods south side (where we border Mehlvile FPD) are responded to by a Crestwood pumper truck, Mehlville FPD only sends the ambulance. Why is that Mr. Hilmer, you say you have the resources, the man power to save us all, yet you call us for "mutual aid?"
Now let's move into the cost of this, and, what I believe is the real reason behind this move. First of all, Mr. Hilmer said that he can save us $200,000.00 per year, but can, and will he really do that? In a word, yes, for the first year! Right after well sell off the equipment, fire the 40+ year old firemen (who have protected us for many a year, and will have no chance to be hired by Mehlville,) the worm will turn! AND THEN THE COST WILL RISE!
I can hear you now, "Say it ain't so," Well sorry folks it is as predictable as the fact that the sun will come up tomorrow! Look around you at the Cities that have disbanded and moved to a FPD! Sunset Hills pays $1.09 per hundred of assessed value for the Fenton FPD, and the list goes on!
Now as to "why us?" Well believe me it's not out of the goodness of Mr. Hilmers heart that he proposes this "good samararten" idea, not in the least! You see, Mehlville must expand to continue it's growth pattern (and finances.) Not only that, but a FPD is like a "fiefdom" where the king has an insatiable appetite for more land.
The "why us" part comes when a FPD smells blood in the water! These guy's look at a City having difficulty, and pounce on it like a cat on a mouse, telling us what they can do for us, what they do not say is what they will do to us!
Now to continue my thoughts on this, I ask you why in God's name do any of us wish to sound the death knell for the people who are willing to place their life on the line for us every day? Do any of you really think that a 50 something firefighter will be hired by Mehlville at the same pay scale when they can get a rookie just out of firefighter school?
Folk's, we have firefighters who live right here in Crestwood, they pay taxes just as we do, and as for me, and mine, we salute them, and thank them profusely for the outstanding job they have, and will continue to do!
Tom Ford
NO. 417
posted by Crestwood Independent at 15:21
42 Comments:
If an ambulance is placed in the Crestwood fire station will the ambulance serve the taxpayers of Crestwood only? The citizens of Green Park,who pay taxes to Mehlville have their ambulance taken out of service between the hours of 7:30 p.m to 7:30 a.m on a daily basis,thus causing longer response times during that period of time.
On page 873 of the 2007 County Rate Book for Sunset Hills it says:
FIRE-FENTON: 0.6200
Maybe I'm looking at the wrong thing.
A decrease in firefighters is a decrease in service. Say NO to the Mehlville offer!
ask Mehlville these questions to their face for answers, do not depend on this blog for the truth.
Just say NO to Arrogant Himmler and his gang of three fascists (i.e. Bonnie Stegmann, RN, Ryan, and Stonebreaker). They lie about the 24-7 life support ambulance at Mehlville 5 house. It is only staffed 12.25 hours per day and with overtime paramedics. One day in three there is a paramedic on the five house pumper. Less on other fire trucks in Mehlville. Does anyone else find it interesting that the Green Park Board selected them as their man and woman of the year when they staff the Green Park ambulance half time but assure that the Oakville ambulance (1727), where they and their families live, is staffed 24-7? Coincidence? You decide.
Some people may remember that Mehlville Fire proposed to provide emergency medical service coverage once before but was considered too expensive. EMS costs money. Abbott is cheaper with green, fresh out of school, paramedics who spend most of their careers transporting elderly clients to and from nursing homes, work that needs to be done but hardly at the same skill level as the MFPD paramedics who answer and care for complex medical emergencies in homes and trauma on the highways.
You get what you pay for as Mehlville residents are learning. Under Himmler the number of experienced firefighter paramedics applying and plummeted from over 300 before the man and woman of the year cut benefits to around 30 at last application. Experienced 911 paramedics have been leaving and other applicants have refused employment when they discovered the pay and benefits package from Himmler and the gang of three.
Think Himmler will give you a better deal? Ask the residents of Green Park who suffer wait for an ambulance from several miles away after 7:45 PM when the 1757 paramedics go home.
I agree with most of what you wrote but your site is incorrect about MFPD ambulance billing. MFPD only charges residents what ever their insurance pays. Abbott bills everyone. MFPD Non residents are charged the usual and customary rate set by Medicare of $600 + $7.00 per mile. There are no specific fees for complex tasks like intravenous fluids, IV drugs, airway management and intubation, 12 lead ECG, etc.; skills and procedures that cost hundreds of dollars in the emergency department. Most medical professionals would agree that the MFPD taxpayers get much more that they pay for from the paramedic service. The most cost effective service MFPD residents receive is the experienced expert paramedic advice of when they will benefit from an emergency department visit and when they will be better served by calling their private doctor.
When considering the takeover of Crestwood’s fire protection by the Mehlville Fire District, please consider the histories of the Crestwood Fire Department versus the Mehlville Fire District.
November 2004 - Proposition S&S passes in the Mehlville Fire District - 33 cent increase per $100 assessed valuation.
April 2005 - Early April saw the election of two reform candidates to the Mehlville Fire Protection District Board of Directors: Aaron Hilmer and Bonnie Stegman. Hilmer and Stegman ran on a reform platform, questioning such expenditures as a $950 clothing allowance and a $150,000 + expenditure for a PR firm to promote Proposition S&S.
April 2005 - After the election, a chief and four officers resign, taking pension pay-outs. According to a St. Louis Post Dispatch article titled “Mehlville fire officers opt to retire”, the following take retirement pension lump sum payouts:
Chief Ray Haddock - approximate pay out to be $742,201
Chief John Schicke - approximate pay out to be $769,677
Captain Robert Hargrave - approximate pay out to be $615,127
Captain Jerry Gibbar - approximate pay out to be $567,809
Lt. William Reeves - approximate monthly pay out of $4,040
These figures were provided in the article by district comptroller Jeffrey Geisler.
Other questions to consider:
What if Hilmer and Stegman are not re-elected?
Is it easier to voice your concerns or have better representation with a three-member panel representing a district with 110,000 people, OR an 8-member board of alderman with a constituency of 11,863 people (2000 census figure)?
Consider our Crestwood Fire Department's qualifications:
from http://ci.crestwood.mo.us/departments/fire/
"The Department of Fire Services consists of:
Fire Chief
Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal
Rescue Squad
Two Engine Companies
Personnel operate on a 24 hour per day three platoon shift system. All personnel are Certified Fire Fighters by St. Louis County Fire Standards Commission. Personnel are also hazardous materials operational certified and two are Hazmat Technician certified. The Department participates in the area wide Mutual-aid system to assist other agencies when alarms are beyond the capability of a single department.
We have responded to approximately 1500 calls for assistance each year for the past several years. Approximately 64% of these calls were for EMS assistance. The vast majority of EMS calls are handled by the Fire Fighter/Paramedic personnel assigned to the Rescue Vehicle. The Department currently has 11 personnel who are State of Missouri licensed paramedics."
from
http://ci.crestwood.mo.us/departments/fire/training.aspx
"TRAINING / QUALIFICATIONS
The medical services provided by the Department are Advanced Life Support services under the direction of the Medical Director from St. Joseph's Hospital in Kirkwood. The Paramedics assigned to the Rescue Vehicle have the equipment on the vehicle in order to provide such treatment. This includes:
Monitor/Defibrillator
IV and Drug Therapy Supplies
Rescue Extrication Equipment
A private ambulance company provides transport to the hospital when needed.
In order to provide Fire, EMS and Hazmat response, members of the Department must maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills through constant training. The Department participates in approximately 200 hours of training annually per man. This training is conducted in house by Department training officers, St. Louis County Fire Academy, and by outside instructors on occasion."
Response to 8:10 PM,November 10,2007.
Mehlville Fire Protection Board Meetings are held sometimes at times where people who work for a living can not attend,Example: 9:00
AM,11:00 AM and 5:00 PM just to name a few. You are allowed to make a comment but the board will not answer any questions. What do they have to hide?
I'm not for the Mehlville proposal for Crestwood. Crestwood has a fine Fire Department and and a Chief who is well respected in the Fire Service. That said....
Hillmer and company have done a great job giving the Mehlville District back to the taxpayers. For many years, the union ran the district. Spending was out of control and taxes kept going up and up. $100k salaries were the norm. Fully paid health insurance for employees and family members. 100% taxpayer funded pension plan. Heck, they even put IAFF Union stickers in the windows of fire trucks and ambulances... talk about ARROGANT.
Compare this with what the typical St. Louis County Cop makes patrolling the same streets as Mehlville serves and you will be sick.
The union is just upset that they can't feed at the Mehlville Taxpayer Trough anymore. They are working overtime to get control back.
That's my concern too. Hilmer and Stegman have done a fine job of turning the district around. But what if they lose the election next time around? If we let Mehlville control our fire protection, we are at their mercy.
They may save us money initially and hike rates up later. There are too many unknowns.
Chief Haddock is in his mid 50's. Using current tables, his life expectancy, God willing, should be another 30+ years. Divide $742,201 by 30 years provides him and his family $ 24740.00 per year or $ 2061.66 per month. That is not that much money when you consider he was chief of one of the busiest fire districts in the state or for that matter the country. Chief Schicke is in his late 50’s. Again dividing over 30 years provides only $25655.90 a year or $ 2137.99 a month. He is a Viet Nam Veteran who worked his way up from private after returning from serving his country. The numbers seem large until you do the math. I realize that they can invest the lump sum and earn more or less depending on the investment. I would guess that both chose to cash out of the MFPD pension fearing that the new board would do exactly as they have done… raid the piggy bank.
Lt. Reeves was a 30 year paramedic veteran who was a pioneer in the field of EMS and responsible for saving hundreds of lives. Does the other author really expect to hire and retain skilled lifesavers for peanuts? Let’s pray not and pray if he needs emergency care, someone as skilled as Bill Reeves EMT-P is there to help him. Let’s pray he does not reap what he sews.
I read with interest the blog stating Hillmer and company have turned the Mehlville District around. Considering that Mehlville was considered one of the most progressive fire districts in the state before Hillmer, the author correctly states that Mehlville is now regressing. Crestwood does not need help regressing considering all the business already leaving it’s largest cash cow, the Mall.
"Does the other author really expect to hire and retain skilled lifesavers for peanuts?" 11:30 PM, November 10, 2007
Wow. Look at the retirement packages and salaries of the Mehlville fire fighters. 'Peanuts' is not the word I would use.
I want to thank anonymous 11:01 PM,November 10,2007 for their response. I went to St. Louis County Governments Web site and looked up the pay and benefits for a St.Louis County Police officer. It seams that they have a better pay and benefit package than the Mehlville Firefighters and Paramedics.
8:32 PM blogger: I believe the name is MR, HILMER, not Himmler!
Please, if we are to discuss this as we should, I ask that we at least respect him by getting the name right.
Tom Ford
Crestwood Mayor holds meetings during the day when most people work and you love him, so what's wrong if Mehlville does the same?
Talk about too many unknowns, sounds like we need a plan B. What happens if the mall fails in 1st quarter of'08, what will we do then, what will we have to cut?
Mehlville used to be progressive? Isn't that code for liberal???
I agree with poster 8:51, too much anti Melhville on here to not be Union sponsored posts. Talk to the people in charge before you believe a thing posted here. Talk to those who have Mehlville protection.
Yes, do internet searches on the Mehlville Fire Protection District. Talk to those served by Mehlville. Read and research.
I did. I applaud the reforms made by Aaron Hilmer and Bonnie Stegman and I think Mehlville has a great district, but I do not see any reason to change our fire protection.
1. Our fire protection in Crestwood is excellent. I speak from its reputation and from personal experience from four occasions - 2 emergency calls my family - 1 fire at a neighbor's home - 1 emergency call my neighbor.
2. If Mehlville can serve us cheaper, how long will they be able to do that? One year? Two years? Five years?
3. What if Hilmer and Stegman lose the next election?
4. What if Mehlville's tax rate goes up?
5. What will happen to our existing fire fighters if Crestwood chooses to go with Mehlville fire protection? Will they be able to A. keep their jobs? B. Keep their rank and standings?
Do research. Talk to your neighbors and those who live in the Mehlville Fire Protection District. Their initial offer sounds good, but think about how it may affect us long-term.
to 10:18 11-11
Progressive is an adjectival form of progress. Progress indicates generally forward moving (L. Progressus, a going forward, advance)
Liberalism refers to a broad array of related ideas and theories of government that consider individual liberty to be the most important political goal. Liberalism has its roots in the Western Age of Enlightenment.
Broadly speaking, liberalism emphasizes individual rights and equality of opportunity. Different forms of liberalism may propose very different policies, but they are generally united by their support for a number of principles, including extensive freedom of thought and speech, limitations on the power of governments, the rule of law, the free exchange of ideas, a market or mixed economy, and a transparent system of government. All liberals – as well as some adherents of other political ideologies – support the form of government known as liberal democracy, with open and fair elections, where all citizens have equal rights by law.
To 10:11 AM November 11,2007.
Fire Protection Board Meetings,School District Board Meetings and City Board of Alderman meetings are ment to be informational meetings for the taxpayers involved. I am unaware of Crestwood Board of Alderman meetings being held at times when the majority of the taxpayers could not attend. I guess you missed the point.
After reading 11:01 PM,November 10,2007 comment about 100k salaries were the norm for Mehlville Employees I thought this amount was rather high. Assuming that a 20 plus year Mehlville Firefighter or Paramedic makes 23.00 per hour and their work week is 56 hours long they would have to work 3592 hours per year or 69.08 hours per week to make 100,004.00. This is assuming that they do not receive any extra compensation when their scheduled work day falls on a holiday,which they don't.
It seams that they have a better pay and benefit package than the Mehlville Firefighters and Paramedics.
Sorry bud, the Call did a story a while back that detailed a significant portion of the Mehlville Fire/Paramedics made over $100,000 a year. My brother-in-law is a decorated County Cop with 15 years on the job and will make around $60,000 this year BEFORE he pays for family health insurance.
Nice try!
To 1:47 PM,November 13,2007.
After going to St.Louis County Police Departments web site it states that a St. Louis County Police Officer with 15 years of experience makes 63,677.00 for a scheduled 40 hour work week. A police officer receives ten paid holidays per year plus five double paid holidays.A 15 year police officer receives 30 days of paid leave per year.There uniforms are paid for and they receive 300.00 for uniform maintance.Their pension is non contributory and the can retire when their age and years of service combined equal 80.
A Mehlville firefighter or paramedic works a scheduled 56 hours per week.The salary of a 15 year employee is 68000.00.They receive 200.00 once a year for holiday pay.They earn 12 vacation days and 8 sick days per year. Sick days have a cap. They receive 500.00 a year for uniform purchases and maintence. Their Defined Benefit Pension is non contributory and is in the process of being converted to a Defined Contribution Pension Plan.They pay up to 50% for family health care coverage. Thanks to Bud who ever he is for doing his or her homework.Why would any one rely on any newspaper for this information when it is public record.
Source: i.call
Pay, benefit costs range from $110,000 to $120,000 for 57 MFPD employees
Board chairman astonished at 2006 cost of salary, benefits
by MIKE ANTHONY
Executive Editor
March 14, 2007
Salary and benefit costs for nearly half of Mehlville Fire Protection District employees who worked full time last year ranged from more than $110,000 to nearly $120,000.
Fifty-seven of 122 district employees who worked full time during 2006 received salary and benefit packages ranging from more than $110,000 to nearly $120,000, according to information compiled by the district.
Salary and benefit costs for 21 employees who worked full time last year ranged from more than $120,000 to nearly $127,600.
Sixteen employees who worked full time during 2006 received salary and benefit packages ranging from more than $100,000 to nearly $109,200.
Salary and benefit costs for the remaining district employees who worked full time the entire year are:
• One employee — nearly $69,500.
• Six employees — ranging from more than $70,000 to nearly $78,200.
• Eight employees — ranging from more than $80,000 to nearly $85,400.
• Three employees — ranging from more than $90,000 to nearly $98,200.
• Six employees — ranging from more than $130,000 to nearly $139,600. Included in this range is Chief Jim Silvernail, whose salary and benefit costs totaled $134,036.16. Salary and benefit costs for four other employees in this range totaled more than Silvernail’s.
• Four employees — ranging from more than $140,000 to nearly $148,300. They are: Deputy Chief Jim Hampton, $148,213.60; Deputy Chief Dave Waser, $145,195.82; Capt. Nick Fahs, $141,238.60; and Assistant Chief Steve Mossotti, $141,058.92. Salary and benefit costs for Fahs included nearly $25,900 in overtime pay.
As compiled by the district, salary and benefit costs include:
• Annual pay with longevity, overtime and, in some cases, double time. Longevity pay is determined by an employee’s base salary and the number of years of service to the district.
• Holiday pay of $200 per year except for office staff who already receive a paid day off.
• Attendance pay. Employees can receive up to $1,600 per year — $800 per six months — as a bonus if they have perfect attendance.
• Federal Insurance Contributions ACT, or FICA, taxes.
• 401(a) contribution of $520 in 2006.
• Health insurance.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Clothing allowance of $500 per year
• Workers’ compensation that includes a 25-percent surcharge the district was charged by the Missouri Fire and Ambulance District Insurance Trust.
• Pension contribution at 14 percent of base wage. Employees do not contribute to the pension plan, which is funded by tax dollars and the return on investments.
Chairman Aaron Hilmer and Treasurer Bonnie Stegman were elected to the district’s Board of Directors in April 2005 after running a reform campaign in which they pledged to eliminate fiscal waste and roll back a 33-cent tax-rate increase, Proposition S, that voters had approved in November 2004. Since Hilmer and Stegman took office, the board twice has rolled back the district’s tax rate.
Hilmer told the Call that despite the many reforms he and Stegman have instituted since taking office, he’s astonished by the salary and benefit costs the district incurred during 2006.
“This reflects what Bonnie and I inherited from the former firefighter-controlled board,’’ he said. “But what’s amazing is these 2006 personnel costs are the lowest level since the year 2000. 2007 will be even lower than this as more of our re-forms keep kicking in, such as work comp, health insurance and some reforms that are tied up in court.’’
Shortly after taking office, Hilmer and Stegman cut employee sick leave in half to eight days, rather than 16, for 24-hour employees and 12 days for office employees, rather than 35.
If the days aren’t used, employees get a $1,600 bonus, which would decrease $400 for every sick day used. However, if an employee is suspended or fired, they forfeit the bonus. And Mehlville no longer will pay for unused sick leave.
Overtime pay has been cut from double-time to time-and-a-half for firefighters and 1.68-time pay for paramedics. Plus, employees will no longer be paid overtime unless they physically work overtime. Previously, employees were paid overtime even if they had taken a sick day during that pay period. And by cutting down sick days, overtime days will effectively be cut.
The board also overhauled the district’s employee health-insurance benefits by switching brokers and reducing the percentage of district-paid premiums for dependent medical, dental and vision insurance. Employees still have 100 percent of their premiums paid by the district for medical, dental and vision insurance, but must pay 50 percent of the premiums for dependent coverage.
Two of the reforms Hilmer and Stegman have attempted to establish are being challenged in court by Local 1889 of the International Association of Fire Fighters.
One lawsuit is seeking to prohibit the board from implementing a disability-benefit contract with Standard Insurance and eliminating current disability benefits from the district’s existing pension plan. A second lawsuit is challenging the board’s action changing the district’s pension plan from a defined-benefit plan to a defined-contribution plan. Both suits are pending.
During an interview, Hilmer discussed the district’s salary and benefit costs for 2006, which totaled $13,965,655.71 for all employees, including those who worked less than a full year.
“This attests to the mess that Bonnie and I inherited from the firefighter-supported boards of the past,’’ Hilmer said. “But nothing sums it up better than the fact that the fire chief that we hired, who is one of the most experienced and well known in Missouri, is the ninth highest-paid person at Mehlville. What’s wrong with that picture?’’
Specific issues discussed by Hilmer include:
• Attendance pay — “The sick-leave bonus is something we instituted, and the cost of it is far outstripped by what we’re saving from no more abuse of sick leave,’’ he said, noting the total cost of the program during 2006 was $136,800. “That’s also interesting when they cry they haven’t had a raise in so many years. That’s a direct increase they were able to have in their wages due to something Bonnie and I instituted as long as they don’t abuse the sick leave.’’
• Workers’ compensation costs, including a 25-percent surcharge — “We inherited a work comp where we had the highest experience rating in the county, and highest is not a good thing when you’re talking about work comp. That’s because of the amount of claims and just the lax attitude they had toward it. We also had to pay a 25-percent surcharge for ’05 and ’06 that cost the district roughly over a quarter-of-a-million dollars. For ’07, we’re down to a 5-percent surcharge since our reforms are kicking in,’’ Hilmer said.
• Pension plan — “The district has always figured 14 percent of base wage going into the pension plan per employee. But what’s even more disturbing is that’s not enough because, you see, they receive guaranteed payments based on years of service, salary and so forth,’’ he said. “As we know, it has over a $5 million shortfall in the pension fund, meaning that this 14-percent contribution isn’t enough to keep up with the payments going out. And I think that’s very important. It’s not that they’re just getting 14 percent, which is ridiculous, that’s not enough to keep up with what’s going on.’’
• Health insurance — The cost of health insurance for all district employees in 2006 totaled $995,658.48.
“This is the health insurance that reflects the first round of cuts Bonnie and I did. We did a second round of cuts in late ’06, further reducing the dependent insurance. So this number will be lower next year ...,’’ he said.
“What’s really staggering about this is in 2006, Bonnie and I delivered the lowest personnel costs at MFPD since 2000, the lowest fire-district tax rate in St. Louis County and the chance to vote to lower your tax rate forever, though that opportunity was taken away from you in the form of a lawsuit by a Local 1889 supporter,’’ he said, referring to Proposition TD, or Tax Decrease.
Proposition TD would have asked voters if they wished to permanently reduce the district’s general-fund tax-rate ceiling by 45 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, which would equate to a total tax reduction of roughly $9.75 million per year.
A lawsuit filed Feb. 7 by Concord resident Dennis Skelton, founder of Protecting our Protectors, or POP, sought the removal of the tax-rate-decrease measure from the ballot. Skelton’s lawsuit named the county Board of Election Commissioners and the Mehlville Fire Protection District as defendants.
In a ruling issued the next day, Judge James R. Hartenbach ordered the Board of Election Commissioners to remove Proposition TD from the April 3 ballot.
“The court orders that the St. Louis County Election Board is prohibited from placing Proposition TD on the April 3, 2007, ballot in the Mehlville Fire Protection District,’’ Hartenbach stated in his order.
Regarding the district’s salary and benefit costs for 2006, Hilmer said, “I think really when people see this, it shows the reform that is left to be carried through and it’s a reminder why these April board races cannot be ignored by voters. Because when employees are allowed to run the district with your tax dollars, which they never can seem to get enough of, once they get control, it’s been shown there’s no depth they won’t sink to to maintain that.
“These numbers, coupled with the multiple lawsuits filed by the employees, show the lack of respect for residents and the contempt of democracy this entitlement program promulgated in the minds of employees,’’ Hilmer continued. “Isn’t it amazing how the union runs around putting up signs that say: ‘Support your firefighters and paramedics’? From looking at these numbers, don’t we support them enough?
“They obviously don’t think so. Just look at the lawsuits they keep filing and the multiple times they’ve asked for a 5-percent raise. When Bonnie and I said no pay in-crease, (board Secretary) Mr. (Dan) Ottoline replied: ‘Yeah, I understand you just screwed them.’ Though after choking on these numbers, it’s clear the employees aren’t the ones being taken advantage of.’’
Appears the brotherhood of firefighters is hovering on this blog. Nothing wrong with that. Just take it into consideration. I am not with any degree of certainly aware that our city Firefighters are disatisfied or lack understanding of our expectations or consider us lacking in appreciation and desire to afford them job satisfaction. But, we should consider facts because it appears all districts and all Firemen are not happy with status quo. Firefighters are municipal employees, and for the most part have decent job security and pay; according to "today's" standards they have standard benefits. Remember generous pensions and insurance benefits have done a bit of a vanishing act over the years. Nope, Firefighters will never be millionaires. Benefit slippage happens to us all. Firefighters chose their profession; there had to be a reason, maybe public service, maybe not. No one ever told public employees they would be millionaires, except in Washington DC.
In Crestwood, there are financial problems trying to be worked out, the city cannot come up with el-super largo salaries now. We are "Hanging on by the skin of our chinny chin chin." The turnip has a low blood count. Exhorbitant payouts to former employees has most definitely left a very bad taste in the mouths of Crestwood voters, It has become a pre-existing condition for our thoughts and decisions, including the most recent one to the Development employee. In fact, hiring practices at city hall: job descriptions, accountabilities, overstaffing, background checks, experience, codes of conduct and a trial period need to honed to a science. ASAP! Aldermen should insist on some oversight. Not their job you say; I beg to differ I suggest their input would be advantageous. They should remember that the City Administrator, too, is a city employee, and we have had several in past years who simply did not work out and who cost our city dearly and left yet another bad taste in city mouths.
Mr Hilmer and Ms Stegman have done exactly what they said they would do and are heavily supported by the constituancy which they serve. Sorry, firefighters but we would all like to have the big benefit packages, pensions, days off, etc. etc. But, times they are a changin! Men are dying at war among other things. Ya know, taxpayers are not really in a mood to hear all the lamentations about firemen being shortchanged or not appreciated. Considering the facts and today's standards this simply is not true. Consider that their jobs are not being shipped off to India, they are not being laid off, and they do make a decent living. If they are not happy, then possibly they have chosen the wrong career path. If they cannot be dedicated without constantly lowrating the ones who have to balance the books, then they are not in tune to what villages/districts are all about. Experience and dedication are important. No city/district wants to "jip" employees. On the other hand, they must consider the taxpayers, who also have jobs, families, loans, and hope to see their city thrive. One thing residents did not move to an incorporated city to hear is the Firefighters Union is PO'D. Way too much muscle here. The Firehouse has bed and breakfast, and a good share of camaraderie and appreciation from the residents. Traditional in this occupation. We care about ALL our city employees, we do not wish to be intimidated by union influence from any department; whether city, county or state. In the scheme of things, what with war, terrorism, oil prices, illegal immigration, euro vs dollar, education, healthcare, global warming, political graft and corruption, jobs leaving America by the minute - well, if a little community like Crestwood has to try to put Humpty back on the wall with strains of "pity me" in the background - one has truly got to wonder about the real agenda of people who consider their plight independent of the rest of us.
The Mehlville District is in good hands. The taxpayers are satisfied. When all the cries about board actions in revamping the district grow louder than the praise of the people they serve, one can only surmise the greater majority is involving themselves in the greater good. Many people work long hours, have no pensions and struggle with the usual costs of living. They consider the grand scheme of things to be balance and honorable intentions. 'Cause reality is that "Times They Are A 'Changin." But the jobs remain the same amd everyone wants to be appreciated.
Huuuuuuuh?
The "good hands" that you are talking about over at Mehlville are driving the car over the cliff. Just wait and see. The more investigating I do about this Hilmer dude the scarier it gets. How many people know that after he was elected, he fired a man to be chief who was under investigation by police for harrassment and gun charges. He ended up taking a plea deal. Talk about hiring practices and accountability needing to "be honed to a science." I don't think I will be taking anything this guy tells us seriously. As far as whether our firefighters are "dissatisfied", maybe go talk to some of them and find out. I will tell you that I know for a fact (by asking them) that they love this city, and want to see it prosper. The only time they have felt unappreciated is when the former administration wanted to get rid of them. I know if my boss was trying to get rid of me I would fight to keep my job. They realize that the budget is tight right now and raises are not something open for discussion. I think the next question I will ask the next time I run into one (maybe Karl Kessler) is how many have left to go to other departments in the past five years. That might tell me and the rest of us what kind of loyalty that department has.
I agree with poster 10:49 except for the last paragraph, which lost me.
I am happy to read what the blogger said about our Firefighters. I am presuming he is fairly representing their thoughts, or he is a Crestwood Firefighter. It is good to hear that our firefighters realize our current finances and the changing times and are team players. Apparently they are comfortable with things as they are at this time. Would that this was the widespread concensus of all city employees, many who have only been here a short time and have invested little dues while expecting and enjoying all available perks.
Hopefully, our city can continue to retain our valued firefighters and their good spirits and talents and understanding without muscle from their union. Unions often become barriers and change the complection of municipal service. We know that the sky cannot always be the limit for jobs dependent on tax revenue, etc. So, being able to say our Firefighters and Paramedics are a source of pride for our city is a measurable plus. To know they realize the extent to which we can enhance their pay while serving us so well, says a lot about our city and these men.
I will agree with several bloggers who have mentioned salaries of city hall newcomers. Please lets remember, this is a very small city. We really don't need to be topheavy and paying high end salaries at this time. We need reasonable and job sharing and dedication. Indians, so to speak! We need a city administrator who realizes this and who has sleeves which roll up and elbow grease to spare. One thing we have learned is that we are not in a position to offer the CA position Kingdom Building. Right now, most of us don't even recognize who does what at city hall, their job assignments, or background. They seem to come and go and get special pay when they leave. They don't seem to be on probation until their skills are proven and their attitudes in sync with their municipal occupation. Why? Knowing and recognizing our Firefighters certainly illustrates the value of a positive agenda, both individual and for the city as a whole. It is good to see familiar faces, doing what they were hired to do and providing us with valued service.
To 10:49 AM,November 17,2007. When you call a fire fighter,paramedic,or a police officer to your home it is usually a call for help. It is something that is beyond your control. On some of these calls they risk their lives to help us. They go above and beyond and you feal that times are changing and their benefits should change to. I guess many of us have forgotten 911.
In response to 10:49 AM,November 17,2007. Concerning the law suit pending by Local 1889. The taxpayers of Mehlville voted some years ago to establish and fund a pension plan for their fire fighters and paramedics.The pension plan is currently a defined benefit plan.The Board of Directors want to change the plan to Defined contribution plan and fund it with only half the money that the district collects in taxes designated for the pension. As for using a insurance policy to cover a firefighter or paramedic who becomes disabled while performing his or her duties the proposed policy could be a hardhip on the employee and their family if they become disabled. Mr. Hilmer does not work for a living and lives off his family's trust.How can he relate to anyone who works for a living.
Has he ever worked for a living?
Why don't you ask him?
I think it is odd that Mehlville Fire Board member Ed Ryan ran on a tax reform platform.He is employed by the Parkway School District. I think that the taxpayers of Mehlville and Crestwood need to look at his benefit package. Is he or Bonnie Stegman in favor of Mehlville contracting services to Crestwood or is this just Aaron Hilmer? I think that it is odd that the current 3 member Mehlville Fire Board always votes the same way on every issue. By keeping the services of the Crestwood Fire Department under the City of Crestwood goverment control the citizens will be receiving better services. The Crestwood Board of Alderman do not vote together on every issue.
I think you are odd.
Does that make us eaven?
Eaven?
Ivane?
Bveavne?
eyvyan?
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