2010 Letter from the Chief
Today’s economy has challenged and caused every industry and citizen across this great nation to rethink the way they manage their households and businesses. Unfortunately, Public Service agencies have also had to consider alternatives to this economic downturn as a result of these turbulent times. Many fire departments across the country have laid off firefighters, closed fire stations to endure what some have called the worst recession since the great depression of the 1930s.

Fortunately, the Mountain View Fire District has not had to enact such drastic measures that compromise the services we provide to our citizens. This is not to say that we have been immune from current economic conditions. What we are saying is that we have taken conservative financial measures in how we operate and manage your fire department, in an effort to avoid layoffs and negative service impacts. The Fire District Board and staff have worked diligently on a plan that has aligned the fire departments organization and budget structure with organizational priorities, missions, and objectives. This plan outlines the expected revenues and expenditures for the next ten years. The plan will assist the District staff in anticipating when new stations, apparatus and personnel are needed. In addition, a comprehensive financial analysis has helped plan the expenditures for operational activities.

Economic responsibility is this fire department's goal. As a result, a fundamental philosophical shift toward responsible government has been introduced into the culture of this fire department. Consequently, this fire department has taken aggressive approaches in planning and management toward fiscal responsibility resulting in responsible local government.

In 2010, the fire department's annual operating budget is $12,380,683. As a part of our philosophy of conservative fiscal management, the Fire Department projects it will be completely debt free by 2013. It is our intent to no longer use debt to pay for stations, fire equipment or manage this fire department.

As I indicated above, the Mountain View Fire Protection District has taken aggressive approaches in planning and management toward fiscal responsibility. With that in mind, we understand that no one can predict what the future holds as it pertains to the economic condition of our society. However, through solid planning and sound management practices it is our belief we can minimize the impact of additional tax increases for our citizens, maximize on other revenue sources such as grants and fees for service and continue to provide quality service to those that need us.

We are committed to having a strong relationship with our citizens and the communities we serve. In order to do this we believe involvement with the community is paramount, transparency in our operations and management of the organization is imperative, and honest and meaningful interactions a necessity.

As we move forward, we will continue to redefine this organization to better serve the citizens of this District.

Respectfully,

Mark A. Lawley
Fire Chief