By KAREN VELIE Amid financial shortfalls, Five Cities Fire Authority Chief Steve Lieberman announced plans to retire in December. The fire authority plans to begin recruitment for a new fire chief …
Amid financial shortfalls, Five Cities Fire Authority Chief Steve Lieberman announced plans to retire in December. The fire authority plans to begin recruitment for a new fire chief shortly, according to a press release
After Oceano announced plans to leave the fire authority, Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach city councils hired a consultant to review the agency and provide possible alternatives. The 2023 report concluded the authority was struggling to pay its bills and maintain it equipment while responding to multiple non-emergency calls.
Oceano, Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach formed the FCFA in 2010. By combining their fire departments, officials planned to improve service levels and cut costs. In 2010, the FCFA was to operate under an approximately $3.3 million yearly budget.As costs skyrocketed and services dwindled, the Oceano Community Services District put fire tax measures on the 2020 and 2022 ballots. Both failed. Without Oceano, FCFA revenues will drop by $1.1 million.
Issues at the FCFA include a failure to properly maintain equipment, minimal policies and procedures, inconsistent staffing levels and financial issues, according to the study. Continuing with the fire authority will cost approximately $8 million to $9 million a year, or $3 million to $5 million for both Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach, according to the consultant.
The consultant provided Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach several options for moving forward, including contacting with Cal Fire, raising taxes, pulling money from their general funds or contracting with another fire department.
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Cathedral City Fire Chief: People 'Trapped' in Their Homes Due to Flooding and DebrisSome California residents remain 'trapped' in their homes due to the mass flooding and debris flow caused by Hilary.
Leer más »
Birmingham nightclub Luxe Ultra Lounge destroyed in early-morning fireBirmingham Fire and Rescue Service responded just before 3 a.m. Monday to the fire.
Leer más »