An influential advisory committee backed a proposal Wednesday to streamline Sonoma County’s tangled mix of 40-plus fire agencies and request about $9.5 million in annual funding, ending a 14-month study that explored ways to reshape the county’s complex fire services network.
About three dozen fire officials from throughout the county hammered out the final decisions at an almost four-hour meeting that touched on the most sensitive issue — the identity of local fire agencies.
There was no contention over the decision to seek the money, as local fire officials believe the county has underfunded services for years and needs to step up its efforts. But the decision on whether to create a new regional structure with a goal of consolidating some local fire services divided those who wanted to maintain their autonomy and those who said change must come.
The two issues will go to the Board of Supervisors on Dec. 8.
“We made a step forward,” said Dan George, chief of Gold Ridge and Bennett Valley fire districts. “I never thought we would get to this point,” he added, noting the size of the advisory committee and the many opinions over the future of local fire agencies. What sold some holdouts on the regional plan was that it doesn’t force anyone to participate. It included a loose set of proposals that call for fire agencies within seven geographic regions in Sonoma County to figure out how to better streamline fire services in their areas, including consolidation, sharing volunteers, equipment, chief officers and administration. While any agency has that ability now, the plan would create a new countywide advisory committee, which officials thought would help spur action.