By Zach Friend, Second District Supervisor
Recently, the Santa Cruz Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) voted unanimously to approve the consolidation of the Central and Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection Districts. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the consolidation.
Why is LAFCO involved in the consolidation?
LAFCOs have broad authority under the state Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act in regards to boundary changes for cities and special districts (like the Central and Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection Districts). Specifically, under this authority LAFCO can deny or approve, with or without conditions, a wide range of boundary changes including annexations, dissolutions, detachments, formations, consolidations, and mergers. These two Fire Protection Districts requested LAFCO consideration of their proposed consolidation.
What is the history of this request?
Both departments are products of previous consolidations. In 1982, the Boards for the Live Oak Fire Protection District and the Soquel Fire Protection District approved resolutions requesting consolidation. In 1983, LAFCO approved the creation of the new Central Fire Protection District of Santa Cruz County.
In 1987, the Boards of the Capitola Fire Protection District and Central Fire Protection District passed resolutions requesting consolidation which was also approved creating the district as it currently exists.
Similarly, in 1985, the Boards of the Aptos Fire Protection District and the La Selva Fire Protection District approved resolutions requesting consolidation. In 1986, LAFCO approved the consolidation and the Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection District was created as we know it today.
Since that time, multiple studies have been completed reviewing how these two districts could work more efficiently together through shared services or even consolidation.
A few years ago, the boards of both fire districts partnered with LAFCO to look more specifically at the possibilities. An independent firm was hired to complete a feasibility study, which included a thorough service review, interviews with line level staff, administration, local government officials and community members of both districts.
The report was presented at a public town hall meeting at Cabrillo College in August 2018 hosted by the fire districts and LAFCO.
The feasibility study identified a number of benefits to potential consolidation and, as a result, the two fire districts began the preliminary steps for consolidation in mid-2019.
An official application was submitted to LAFCO in December 2019.
Multiple public meetings — at the two districts, LAFCO and a recent community (virtual) town hall — have been held to discuss the proposals since that time.
Will the Level of Service Change?
There will be no change in the level of service and there will be no change in firefighters or non-management staff.
All current personnel of the two agencies will become employees of the new agency. However, there will be the elimination of one fire chief position.
All personnel will keep the salary schedule and benefits of the current contracts and won’t be adversely impacted by consolidation.
Will any Fire Stations Close?
No. All current stations and facilities (and equipment) will be transferred to the new successor agency.
How will it be Governed?
Currently there are two fire boards. The new agency will have a singular, five-member, consolidated board. The new board will transition to a district-based election for its five positions in the 2022 election.
Will it Cost More?
No. Based on LAFCO staff’s analysis, the consolidation will result in an overall financial surplus of approximately $3 million by 2026.
What are the Next Steps?
State law requires the commencement of a request for reconsideration period and a protest proceeding. First, any person or affected agency may file a written request with the Executive Officer of LAFCO requesting amendments to or reconsideration of the resolution.
The request shall state the specific modification to the resolution being requested and shall state what new or different facts that could not have been presented previously warrant the reconsideration.
The request for reconsideration period is scheduled for Nov. 5 to Dec. 4.
Additionally, affected residents within the proposal area will have an opportunity to voice their opposition during the protest period. The protest period is scheduled for Dec. 4 to Jan. 6, 2021.
A protest hearing will be held on Jan. 6, 2021 to collect the final petitions and hear any resident feedback. If less than 25% of the affected registered voters or landowners oppose the proposal, then a form of resolution making determinations and ordering the change of organization or reorganization will be adopted without an election.
If 25% to 50% of the affected registered voters or landowners oppose the proposal, then a form of resolution making determinations and ordering the change of organization or reorganization will be adopted subject to confirmation by the voters.
If more than 50% of the affected registered voters or landowners oppose the proposal, then a certificate of termination will be issued.
If finalized, after the effective date of a consolidation, the newly-consolidated district succeeds to all of the powers, rights, duties, obligations, functions, and properties of all predecessor districts which have been united or joined into the consolidated district. The proposed name of the new district is the Central Fire Protection District.
The effective date of this consolidation, if finalized, is projected to be in the February-March, 2021 timeframe.
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As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue). I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend and I’ve been hosting regular tele-townhalls with County and community leaders on most Tuesday nights from 6-7 pm. The call in information for the town halls is 454-2222 with the Meeting ID: 145384# — you are welcome to speak about any issue during the town halls or you can always call me at 454-2200.
co.santa-cruz.ca.us/zach_friend