Report pours cold water on fire consolidation

Originally authored by Eric Vodden at https://www.appeal-democrat.com/. To see the original article, please click here.

YUBA, CA — The proposed consolidation of four Yuba County fire departments would be “fiscally problematic” at this time, a new study says.

Folsom-based Citygate Associates says consolidating the Linda, Olivehurst, Wheatland and Marysville departments would require “considerable preparatory work.”

The “agencies are still a long way from being able to have any immediate, significant merger, or consolidation possibilities,” the report says.

[…]

“All of the jurisdictions provide good, quality service now,” Bendorf said. “But these recommendations will enhance service.”

[…]

Citygate recommendations

• “Explore the potential to have a consolidated Yuba/Sutter County Fire and law Enforcement Regional Dispatch Center. Such a center would facilitate coordination of limited resources in both counties that share a common boundary and common economy.”

• “Acquire positions and funding for a designated fire dispatcher in the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center during the peak activity periods.”

• “Start (consolidation) by implementing a joint training program and closest-unit response plan as the first operational steps in the process.”

• “Executive managers and finance directors can discuss a framework to set up one employment relationship that all of the partners can afford to join …”

• “Develop a local mutual aid agreement addressing chief officer coverage. Under the terms of this agreement, chiefs will provide coverage for each other on a calendered basis.”

To read the full, original article, please click here.