Pajaro Valley Fire Protection District looking for additional funding to address pay issues for staff
INTERLAKEN, Calif. (KION-TV)- The Pajaro Valley Fire Protection District is asking property owners in the area to vote on a new benefit assessment to maintain the fire district's current services.
Without it, they say it could impact emergency response times. Proper staffing levels and pay are what fire officials at the Pajaro Valley Fire Protection District are asking for.
Without it, they are at odds of losing firefighters Now, they are putting it in the hands of voters in the Pajaro Valley fire district area which covers about 52 square miles.
"Across many industries, we're starting to see, fewer people entering the workforce. And the same is true for the fire department and emergency services as a whole," said Nate Armstrong, Fire Chief for Pajaro Valley Fire Protection District.
The fire district says they have not seen an increase or cost of living adjustment in 27 years.
Right now, they are at a 3-0 which means three fire personnel respond to calls, but it may go down to a 2 person crew which could be dangerous.
"The other thing on medical aids, having that third person, if there's a CPR or some complicated procedures they need to do, they need those three people," said Dave Martone, Chair of the fire board for Pajaro Valley Fire.
Martone is asking for an assessment to be done to provide more funding for the Pajaro Valley community.
"We're trying to raise enough funds to keep the station staffed at three zero. As you know, we've with the same budget since the mid-90s with just slight increases due to property tax increases," Martone said. "But, cost of goods and services and certainly personnel costs have risen quite a bit. And I know last this fiscal year, we faced a 33%."
Property owners in the area will receive a ballot by mail next week. They will have 45 days to respond.
Martone says the money from the assessment which is about $1 million will maintain reliable fire equipment for the people living in the area.
Fire officials said that if you live in the area and do not receive a ballot in the next week – you can come down to the fire station here to pick it up.
Community meetings of this will be held through Zoom and in person before ballots are due in March.
- (Zoom) Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Meeting ID: 857 3793 8901 Passcode: 518269 - (In Person) Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Pajaro Valley Fire Protection District at 562 Casserly Rd., Watsonville, CA 95076 - (In Person) Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds at 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville, CA 95076
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