Response to Riverside County Grand Jury Report*

The Administrative Captain is the highest paid firefighter based on salary and overtime. Response: The District disagrees partially with the finding. The Administrative Captain is not the highest paid firefighter based on salary. The Administrative Captain is paid at an Engineers Base Salary, not that of a Shift Captain, at a savings for the IFPD. The District agrees that the Administrative Captain is the highest paid firefighter based on overtime. Please see response to Recommendation #1 below.

Sworn testimony revealed IFPD Firefighters have attended political forums while in uniform. Response: The District agrees with the finding. Note – By the Grand Jury's own Finding, IFPD Firefighters "attended" political forums. The District takes exception that "attending" such an event is "participating" in such an event.

On the 2012 Compensation Report, vacation time is not a separate line item. Response: The District disagrees partially with the finding. The District's utilizes the California State Controller's Office, Division of Accounting and Reporting Special Districts - Local Government Compensation Report form as required for its Compensation Report. Vacation time is not differentiated on said form. The District is not responsible for the format that a State agency sets forth for the required reporting.

The IFPD Board shall put vacation time as a separate line item on the IFPD Compensation Report. Response: The Recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted and it is not reasonable. The District's utilizes the California State Controller's Office, Division of Accounting and Reporting Special Districts – Local Government Compensation Report form as required for its Compensation Report. Vacation time is not differentiated on said form. The District is not responsible for the format that a State agency sets forth for the required reporting. The District utilizes internal controls to track vacation time as required due to the liability, under the generally accepted accounting practices and standards set upon governmental entities, specifically local government. Additionally, any deficiencies with the internal controls or the reporting of any financial liability are addressed through the required annual audit of the District's finances; and the IFPD Board of Commissioner's response(s) to the recommendations brought forward in that audit. Submitted on behalf of the Idyllwild Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners by: Jerry Buchanan Board President Patrick Reitz Fire Chief CC: Mark A Cope Presiding Judge