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Council approves $50,000 contract for consultant team to plan a standalone Livingston fire department
Summary
The council approved a not‑to‑exceed $50,000 professional services agreement with former Merced city manager Stephanie Dietz (and proposed subcontract with former Fire Chief Parker) to produce organizational, facilities and equipment plans as Livingston moves to form its own municipal fire service ahead of a June 2026 deadline.
The Livingston City Council voted 5‑0 to approve a professional services agreement, not to exceed $50,000, with consultant Stephanie Dietz to help the city plan a standalone municipal fire department. The contract includes organizational planning, a facilities and equipment needs assessment, a transition roadmap and biweekly progress updates to the council and the fire ad‑hoc committee.
"My focus will be to help you and to augment the staff expertise you have in house to ensure that you have that plan, do the work necessary to hear from your community members, hold stakeholder meetings, work with your ad hoc team," Stephanie Dietz said, introducing the scope. Dietz said her work will include coordination with a former fire chief, "Mister Parker," whose operational experience will be included in the scope.
City Manager Jose Ramirez told the council the city is preparing to establish its own fire department after analysis showed Cal Fire service at the city's scale would cost about $4 million and would require meeting a "3.11" staffing threshold the city could not accept within budget. Ramirez said the city is seeking a possible nine‑month extension from the county on a June 2026 compliance deadline while the city builds a municipal solution.
The consultant scope described by staff includes a draft organizational and staffing plan, a transition plan with timeline and milestones, facilities and equipment assessments, and identification of potential funding opportunities such as SAFER grants. Dietz said she and her partner bring more than 40 years of local government and fire‑service experience and will work with volunteers and other stakeholders.
Council members asked about contract mechanics and availability. Dietz said she is a sole proprietor with roughly 20 hours per week available for engagements and that the $50,000 cap is comprehensive; any proposed subcontractor (Mister Parker) would be included in that amount. Council member Wallace moved to approve the contract; Council member Roth seconded. The motion passed, roll call 5‑0.
Ending: Staff will proceed under the approved contract to produce the deliverables and report back to the council and fire ad‑hoc committee. The council asked staff to ensure the subcontract, hourly rates and billing increments are clearly described and to return with any changes to subcontractor terms before those work items are billed.
