Fire protection, emergency service challenges to be reported to Santa Cruz County supervisors
On Sept. 10, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors will hear a report of challenges to the county’s fire protection and emergency medical response services and consider a vote to implement an assessment to fund more services.
The county, through a contract with Cal Fire, provides year-round services to unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County that include Bonny Doon, Davenport, Loma Prieta, Corralitos, Las Cumbres and the South Skyline area. Santa Cruz County Fire has held public meetings in those areas with the goal of raising awareness about the need to maintain fire protection services and quick 911 response times.
The county said services through Cal Fire are facing funding challenges, and currently there are 25% fewer firefighters than 10 years a go, fewer volunteer firefighters and a 22% increase in emergency calls. The county also said that engines are operating at below recommended staffing levels, and without more funding, the county may have to close a fire station during nonfire seasons.
The board of supervisors will consider whether to hold a vote by property owners on implementing a Proposition 218 assessment to fund more fire protection and emergency response services. If the board approved the vote, a mail vote would take place within 45 days of board action.
