Beginning on July 1st the Pinole Fire Department is regrettably going to begin browning out the Pinole Valley Fire Station 74 for at least 10 shifts each month. This represents one-third of the operations. While even a temporary reduction in services is not an optimal situation, it is necessary as we continue to struggle in the current economic climate to provide full services to our community.
This service reduction was negotiated with the International Association of Firefighters Local 1230, in accordance with provisions found in their collective bargaining agreement. At this time the temporary browning out is anticipated to be for the period of July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011, but it will be evaluated on a quarterly basis. Following a public hearing, the City Council approved this temporary service level change as part of the fiscal year 2010/11 budget on June 15th. Each of the Council members expressed their continued support of public safety as top priorities in the community, both Fire and Police.
The City of Pinole Fire Department participates in the Battalion 7 comprised of Pinole, Rodeo/Hercules Fire Protection District and Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. Our Battalion 7 partners are aware of the upcoming brown-outs and have committed to continue to provide seamless automatic aid response within our community.
Pinole’s management team will continue to work with the West Contra Costa County Fire Technical Advisory Committee, appointed by the West County Mayors, to develop long term solutions. The fiscal year 2010/11 budget includes an allocation for the assistance of an outside fire professional to help us analyze our options, work with our fire service partners, and prepare a recommendation for the City Council to consider to ensure sustainable fire service delivery into the future.
City Manager Belinda Espinosa stated: “The 2009 LAFCO Municipal Services Review of fire services clearly indicated that Pinole Fire was “unsustainable“ in the current format and the amount of tax revenue currently available. These difficult economic times have exacerbated the situation in that we are trying to balance our budget and still maintain current levels of service. We are not alone in this endeavor as many communities in our county and state are facing the same situation. This is so unfortunate for our community, but we are left with little alternatives for the short run. Our Firefighters will continue to do the excellent job that they have always done in providing service to our residents and business community. With the help of our neighbors, a solution for the long term will be found.”
Fire Chief Jim Parrott stated: “The fire department previously reduced support and supply areas of the operation to absolute minimum in an effort to maintain full response capabilities. Further reductions in revenue unfortunately leave no alternative but to reduce the hours of available service from one of our engine companies. The Pinole Fire Department and our regional partners are keenly aware of coverage issues and will make every effort to minimize the effects of the reduced resources”.
Mayor Debbie Long stated: "Both the City Council and Fire Department are passionate about the community we serve, so this decision was not reached lightly. We will soon be having a series of workshops regarding the Utility Users Tax, Public Safety and other services provided by the City. We hope to see a great deal of community participation to aid us in making the tough choices that are necessary during our economic struggles."
For further information, contact Assistant to the City Manager Michelle Fitzer at (510) 741-3864.
