Fire Services, VITEMA and the PSC request Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Increases

ST. THOMAS, V.I. – The Virgin Islands Fire Services pleaded its case in defense of its Fiscal Year 2022 Budget before the Committee on Finance at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. Director Daryl George provided a detailed testimony that saw an increase from the General Fund resources that was $25,443,574 in fiscal year 2021 to the requested amount of $32,129,376 for fiscal year 2022.

VI Reporter

Director George outlined the Mission Statement of the Virgin Islands Fire Service. “The mission is to provide the highest level of service and protection to the people of the Virgin Islands,” George said. “We do that through public education, rapid response, inspection, and the elimination of fire hazards.”

Scope and Overview Established under the Office of the Governor by Act 4206, the Virgin Islands Fire Service (VIFS) safeguards the life and property of the residents through the operational efficiency of three key areas: Emergency Operation (Suppression), Arson Investigation and Prevention (Prevention), and Administration.

The committee learned that the department has positions totaling 370. Of those positions, 49 are vacant and new positions. The General Fund supplies $32,129,376 to account for 95% of the Fire Services budget. Fire Services also receives $686,906 in Federal Funds to account for 2% of the budget, $551.600 for the Fire Service Emergency category to account for 2% of the budget, and 338,300 budgeted for Emergency Services to account for 1% of the budget.

The Director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Management Agency, Daryl Jaschen presented as the second agency of the day to give testimony before the Finance Committee. The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency prepares for, coordinates the response to, and recovery from all hazards and threats that impact the Virgin Islands.

The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Agency (VITEMA) establishes procedures to address threats to homeland security and to coordinate with other agencies for the protection of life, public health, property, and infrastructure in the event of terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and man-made incidents. It provides clear direction for response readiness regarding the distribution of federal assets and training personnel in all aspects of emergency management.

The Agency requested form the General Fund of 6,468,856 to account for 43% of the 2022 fiscal year request. In addition, the Agency anticipates $7,353,713 from Federal Funds representing 49% of the proposed budget request. Emergency Services will provide 1,337,854 representing 9%.

In comparison in fiscal year 2021, the General Fund provided $4,965,744. Federal Funds only accounted for $295,585 and $1,337,854 was provided in the Emergency Services Fund.

The Public Service Commission rounded out the day of testimony when Donald Cole, the Executive Director gave testimony. The requested budget is 1,799,333.22 for the fiscal year 2022. The requested amount is to pay 14 employees, provide a stipend for the Commissioners, and Inter-Island travel. Office equipment and supplies, maintaining 4 vehicles with insurance for all employees. The Legislature will meet in the Committee of the Whole to receive testimony from members of the Executive Branch.

In comparison in fiscal year 2021, the General Fund provided $4,965,744. Federal Funds only accounted for $295,585 and $1,337,854 was provided in the Emergency Services Fund.