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Barrington village determines new FD staffing model
The Barrington Village Board met last night and filled the room with a strong turnout. One of the key topics on the agenda was a staffing proposal for the Barrington Fire Department, which would take effect on January 1, 2014, when the current agreement with the Barrington & Countryside Fire Protection District is set to expire. The Barrington Courier-Review has published a detailed article covering the new staffing plan and the events that led up to the vote.
In a major decision that will reshape fire and emergency services in the Barrington area, the Barrington Village Board voted unanimously on Monday to lay off 19 firefighter-paramedics by the end of the year. This move comes as a result of the termination of a long-standing intergovernmental agreement that had the village’s fire department and the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District working together across over 50 square miles.
To cut down on operational costs related to personnel and equipment, and to manage future insurance and pension obligations, Barrington has decided to focus solely on its five-square-mile territory. Meanwhile, the protection district, which chose to end the agreement effective January 1, 2014, will continue to serve 46 square miles in surrounding communities.
With a 7-0 vote, the board put an end to months of heated debate by finalizing a plan to operate with a department of 19 firefighter-paramedics starting next year. Village President Karen Darch stated after the vote: “The new staffing plan costs a little more than minimal staffing, but it’s money well spent if it enhances public safety and provides additional services. In the long term, we are also relieving taxpayers of the burden of rising pension and disability payments for employees who served outside our community.â€
She pointed out an $80,000 annual difference between the two staffing options. Trustees ultimately chose to maintain a staff of 19, resulting in 19 layoffs. Fire Chief Jim Arie added, “With enhanced EMS service, we’re better prepared to respond to the most common calls — those from residents needing emergency medical attention. Instead of waiting for help from distant stations, we can send a second ambulance right from our own firehouse, improving response times and getting help to where it's needed faster.â€
Before the decision was made, several residents and stakeholders urged the board to reconsider the plan. Char McLear, a retired assistant fire chief in Barrington, criticized the move as arrogant and self-serving, saying, “This is politics, not fiscal responsibility. I’m outraged at your irresponsible actions regarding the fire department. We’ll live with the consequences of this decision.â€
In response, the protection district has expressed interest in hiring as many of the laid-off responders as possible through its contract with Paramedic Services of Illinois (PSI), though those hired may face changes to their pension plans.
Darch explained that keeping 18 people on staff would cost the village about $80,000 more than the 2014 budget allowed. She added that the extra two firefighters would provide more flexibility. The department will now operate out of Fire Station 1 with three shifts, each led by a dedicated shift commander.
Discussions about the separation began in 2012 due to disagreements over hiring and equipment purchases. The report also confirmed that automatic aid agreements with the Lake Zurich Fire Department, Palatine Rural Fire Protection District, and Long Grove Fire Protection District will remain in place. Barrington will still be part of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, a longstanding partnership that has supported the community for decades.
For more information, you can check out other posts on this topic [HERE] and [HERE].