East Fork, Carson firefighters share taxpayers' award

The East Fork Fire & Paramedic Districts and Carson City joined forces to save taxpayers money, an idea that earned them the Cashman Good Government Award from the Nevada Taxpayer's Association.

Faced with a burgeoning demand for services, declining volunteer participation and shortages of both personnel and apparatus, both departments established a boundary drop zone from Mica Drive in Indian Hills to Clearview Lane in Carson City where either could provide service.

Initiated about 10 months ago, the program has worked well and is expected to save the two departments about $1 million a year, according to East Fork Fire Chief Tod Carlini.

The cooperative effort has also increased the margin of safety for personnel, Carlini said.

"This may be a short-term solution, depending on the growth and development on both sides of the county line, but it is a good solution to assure that service demands are being met," Carlini said.

This annual award recognizes efficient use of taxpayers' money and the effective practice of accountable, user friendly government in Nevada, according to information from taxpayer's.

The two fire departments competed with state employees and other entities. Nominees are judged using very specific criteria and is year's competition was tight, with only four points between the top five nominees, said Association spokeswoman Gaylynn Spriggs.

Last year's winner, Tom Pickering of the Clark Count School District, saved the District $10 million annually by altering the schools' heating and air conditioning systems, she said.

"The association wants to recognize government employees who go above and beyond and wouldn't otherwise be recognized," Spriggs said. "This year it's kind of exciting, that someone local won."

Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.