Assistant Fire Chief Gets Raise

SPRING HILL - The second-highest ranking officer in the fire district got a raise.

He didn't get a new contract.

Given the uncertainty of the future of the Spring Hill Fire Rescue District, Assistant Chief Bill Davies was denied a new six-year contract. He will, instead, be an at-will employee.

Fire commissioners agreed Wednesday in a 4-1 vote to grant him a 3.5 percent pay increase. It is the same raise given to all district employees.

"I (think) he met expectations," said Vice Chairman George Biro. "He should get the raise the rest of the men get."

The lone dissenter was Commissioner Rob Giammarco. He said he wanted to wait on giving Davies a raise due to financial concerns, not because of performance.

All five commissioners rated Davies adequate or better in their evaluations.

The raise is retroactive to May 1, when his contract expired, Biro said.

In other district news:

A 23-year veteran of the district was honored at the start of Wednesday's meeting.

An emotional Capt. Michael Carpenter accepted a plaque, as well as the applause of the 30 or so patrons in the audience. They gave him a standing ovation.

"It's very hard for me to do this because everyone I work for I love," he said.

Raborn thanked him for his support, particularly during the district's pursuit of a ladder truck two years ago.

"Me and you worked on that ladder truck and we got it down here," the chairman said. "We made it a reality."

Edmisten also said Carpenter played a role in installing a mechanic's bay behind the station along Bob Hartung Court.

The issue of selling surplus ambulances still isn't settled, commissioners said.

Hernando County Purchasing Director James Gantt told the district it was not permitted to sell or auction its old ambulances without county approval.

Giammarco, who recommended months ago to sell the ambulances rather than donate them, said he was taken off guard by the latest developments.

"Why this monkey wrench is in here I have no idea," he said.

The district's attorney was asked to look into the matter.