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Fire field caretaker considered

Posted Monday, March 1, 2010

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Hiring of a caretaker for the Brazoria County Fire Field will be discussed at the next meeting of Commissioners Court.

Funding for the post would be shared by the county association of fire departments and the county.

Neal Morton recently met with the Court to request approval of the position, which the association feels would not only provide the needed care for the fire field, but also help market it as a cost-efficient alternative to training firefighters.

The person being sought for the job would be "seasoned, but young enough to do the work needed on the field," Morton said, suggesting that a semi-retired person might be considered.

Court members indicated that Jim McCoy, who heads the county's human resources department, is to provide a job description and review applicants.

Members discussed the position briefly, indicating that although the firefighters' association would direct the employee's duties, he should probably report to either the county's emergency department or the maintenance department director.

The county would be responsible for the employee's benefits, they said. Salary for the post would be based on an hourly rate of $12.50 or an annual salary of about $30,000.

County Judge Joe King said the program could provide a considerable savings to the cities throughout the county. He based this on the expense of sending firefighters to the school at Texas A&M University, where fees have increased. That cost now stands at about $1,000 per person, he said.

For firefighters who live in the county or other sites in close proximity to Angleton, the training can be provided at the fire field in Angleton for $250 each, plus the cost of meals.

Those live farther away and who would requires overnight accommodations could utilize area motels, he said, adding that this would be an added benefit to county businesses.

McCoy said the salary should fall in the range of similar posts, such as building maintenance technicians, in the county's salary schedule.

The salary suggested would be the highest pay rate for such a position without Court approval, he said. He suggested that the Compensation Review Committee determine the proper pay grade and make a recommendation to the Court.

Court members said they plan to consider the request at their regular meeting on March 9.

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