In a big step toward stabilizing the Kern County Fire Department, three cities have agreed to pay more for services.
On Tuesday, the Kern County Board of Supervisors will consider approving new fire service contracts with Delano, Wasco and Shafter that are significantly more beneficial to the county than previous versions. Over the next six years, the contracts will gradually increase the amount of money those cities will need to pay for services rendered by KCFD.
By 2027, Delano will pay $1.1 million more each year than it was previously charged. Wasco will pay $383,241 more and Shafter will pay $119,496 more than the previous contract.
The county pursued the new contracts after an independent analysis by the Center for Public Safety Management found the nine cities that use KCFD for fire protection were significantly underpaying for services.