The Lompoc City Council has decided to reinitiate talks with Santa Barbara County officials regarding a long-discussed possible merger with the county’s fire department.
An October 2010 report estimated initial costs to the city at approximately $3.8 million for the first year of service, according to Lompoc Finance Director Brad Wilkie. The agreement would last 10 years.
The county’s preliminary draft proposal also lists approximately $98,000 in immediate transitional costs, including transfer of department vehicles and other “minor operational costs.” Wilkie said those initial costs could possibly be drawn out over a few years.
At a meeting on Dec. 28, Lompoc City Council members unanimously agreed to continue the process with the county, and city staff has been directed to draft an official letter requesting specific cost estimates.
Up to this point, the figures Lompoc has received were preliminary draft estimates, according to county administration employee Sharon Friedrichsen, but once the county has received the formal request, the Board of Supervisors will vote on whether to authorize the submission of official figures.
“We’re still really at the beginning of the process,” Friedrichsen said, adding she estimated the item could make the board’s agenda by early March.
Based on what the board decides, the two parties could then begin finagling numbers through a series of negotiations, said City Council member Bob Lingl.
“Both sides have agreed that there are negotiation points,” Lingl said. “But I’m hoping we can get [these figures] sooner rather than later.”
The council has sought for years to find solutions for the fire department’s significant staff and budget shortfalls in light of a growing population.
Lompoc Fire Chief Jeff States could not be reached as of press time.
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This article appears in Jan 6-13, 2011.