The proposed dues increase was approved by the membership on March 5th.  The count was 990 in favor, 854 not in favor.  The returned ballots accounted for 73% of the UFOA membership, 2543 mailed, 1858 returned with 14 ballots voided for various reasons.  I along with the entire Executive Board would like to thank everyone for your confidence and trust; be assured that this dues increase will ensure a sound financial future for the UFOA.

We have sent the necessary notifications to the Office of Payroll Administration and have been told to expect the new rate change to be implemented in four to six weeks.  Just prior to the new dues deduction, we will mail to every member a letter outlining what the deduction should be for your rank/step and insurance deduction.

At the last GMM, there was constructive debate on a few proposed by-law changes.  These proposals were to address the new dues structure.  It was agreed that a Committee appointed by the President, and chaired by Ed Boles, would meet and propose new by-laws at the May GMM.

On March 14th, 2008, the Fire Commissioner presented to the City Council Committee on Fire and Criminal Justice, the 2009 Fiscal Preliminary Budget for the FDNY.  Commissioner Scoppetta enumerated the many programs and initiatives the Department has going on and all the positive aspects of these programs.  He spoke glowingly about the new “pilot” dispatching plan in Queens and how it has shaved 37 seconds, on average, off response times.  A significant reduction, we agree.  However, in the borough of Queens, something had to be done.  Geographically, Queens is the largest borough and has the least amount of fire protection per capita and per acre.  The population has been growing for years and changes in building usage has been ongoing.  Until fire protection is adequately addressed in the form of creating new units, a change in dispatch policy is warranted.  Getting the necessary amount of units to the scene quickly and safely is paramount to the public’s safety and the FDNY membership.  The shortcoming with the pilot program is that it is limited in its effectiveness.  It will function adequately as long as there are not multiple fires and/or emergencies taking place in Queens simultaneously.  The vast distances between units will create unacceptable response times when there are multiple incidents and units will be responding to unfamiliar neighborhoods.  The UFOA is concerned with this approach to reducing response times in Queens, but we are not averse to attempting this change in dispatch while necessary data and statistics are compiled.  Until more units are opened in Queens, until Engine Co. 261 is reopened, this policy may be the only hope to keep Queens “fire safe”. Click here to read more....