Evaluation of Fire Service Proposals From Citygate and Associates Now Available

On Aug. 12, city management provided council members Citygate Associates' evaluation of the three fire service proposals received in late July. Accompanying the report is a memo outlining the rationale behind recommending San Bernardino County Fire District as the preferred service provider. In summary, the recommendation to pursue further negotiations with County Fire would include approval to annex into the San Bernardino County Fire District and the option to pursue a $139 annual parcel tax. By annexing into the Fire District, we can expect an increased level of fire service, investment in equipment and stations, and long-term cost savings consistent with the plan of adjustment as submitted to the bankruptcy court in May, according to city officials. Documents pertaining to this matter have been posted to the city's bankruptcy web page, www.SBCity.org/bankruptcy under the "Council Agenda Items" section. This includes Citygate's evaluation of fire proposals report, Citygate's June 2014 Fire Service Deployment Study and a regional fire station map. An in-depth staff report will be posted to the web page and included in the Mayor and Common Council agenda packet on Wednesday, Aug. 19. On Aug. 24, a special Mayor and Common Council meeting will be held. The meeting will include a presentation from Citygate, city management and the opportunity for public comment.