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LEE COUNTY Committed Today for a Better Tomorrow Northwest Pocket Fire Department Northwest Pocket Fire Department is requesting a budget increase of$20,000 or 7.2%for 2021/2022. The biggest change in their budget is$18,000 increase in Capital Reserve.The department is applying for a FEMA Grant in hopes to replace their aging SCBA. The department is beginning the process of working on the specifications for a 2,100-gallon tanker. Northwest Pocket Fire District had growth in the tax base of about$3.8 million. With the growth in the tax base and using$28,000 from their fund balance,the projected tax rate for 2021/2022 will remain at the current rate of$0.145.The Fire Advisory Board is recommending the 2021/2022 Budget Request and the use of$28,000 in fund balance with the current tax rate of$0.145. Summary As you will note, none of the seven volunteer fire departments have a change in their current tax rate for 2021/2022. A vast majority of the departments have increased their cost of personnel to adjust for a cost-of-living raise. Cape Fear Fire Department has decided to hire a full-time paid fire chief. A couple of the departments are in the processing of replacing aging SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) or will be applying for grants in hopes of replacing air-packs. As part of our discussions with the fire departments, we asked how their membership status had faired during the COVID-19 pandemic. All the departments indicated they had been able to maintain the membership numbers during the pandemic. They all faced challenges with not being able to train as normal. Fortunately, with some creative use of training scenarios and the use of virtual meetings, they were able to maintain the training hours required by the state. The departments continue to work on recruiting and retaining volunteers. The budget recommendations for the fire departments noted above by the Fire Advisory Board were made based on the information available and the discussions with representatives from the fire departments and the members of the Fire Advisory Board. The cost of personnel, equipment replacement,truck replacement and along with operating cost continue to increase. Fortunately, the county continues to see growth in the tax base throughout much of the county. The growth in the tax base along with the departments maximizing their funds and pursuing grants, allows for the budget increases without an increase in the fire tax rates for 2021/2022. In 2020 and so far, in 2021 has placed a heavy burden on first responders around the country. That is no different here in Lee County. In the beginning of the pandemic, departments were chasing much needed PPE supplies. By working with Lee County Emergency Services and the outpouring of support from the community including the business community, departments were able to get the needed supplies to protect their members. A good example is the generous donation from Coty, who donated hand 4