Funding for both accounts will be capped at $40,000 for the Fire Department and $100,000 for the vocational school.
WESTFIELD – The City Council will consider creation of two revolving accounts that will aid in equipment and training at Westfield Vocational-Technical High School and the Fire Department.
The accounts will be capped at a maximum of $40,000 for the Fire Department and $100,000 at the vocational school. They will be funded through fees assessed for fire related business and residence inspections and tuition paid by non-Westfield students attending the vocational school.
James E. Brown Jr.The full City Council will consider approval of the accounts at its May 3 meeting.
They have received endorsement by the City Council’s Legislative and Ordinance Committee this week following recommendation from Mayor Daniel M. Knapik.
Mary ReganApproval will automatically transfer fees and tuition currently deposited in the city’s general fund to the revolving accounts, Knapik said. “This transaction may actually save the city in the long run because of the benefits that will result,” Knapik said.
The city currently receives some $800,000 annually in vocational training tuition and the Fire Department has yet to determine the full amount received annually from new inspection and other fees being generated.
Daniel Knapik“Every shop, or program at the vocational school needs something and the establishment of this revolving account is aimed at avoiding any major expense in the future,” the mayor said.
Ward 2 City Councilor James E. Brown Jr. and at-Large Councilor James R. Adams agreed.
“Vocational education is the gem of our city and this is something that will directly impact students there. The funds will go directly to equipment needs, allowing students to training on equipment that they will use in their future careers,” said Brown, chairman of Legislative and Ordinance Committee.
Adams said the $100,000 is a fair amount to allocate directly to the school. “The school generates $800,000 annually and $100,000 is not too much to ask for.”
The tuition account is similar to the district’s School Choice program but funds received from that program are deposited in a School Department account used to enhance programs and services to students.
James LavertyVocational director James M. Laverty said the account will be used for equipment needs, especially safety equipment and student training.
Fire Chief Mary R. Regan said the fire revolving account will be used to make purchases of equipment needed in its alarm inspections and repairs made at business and residence locations.
“These services involve items owned by businesses and other so they will be billed and payment deposited in the revolving account. Any amounts received above the $40,000 cap will be deposited in the city’s general fund,” the chief said.