Council adopts resolution prioritizing maintaining an operational fire department

Livingston — The City Council voted 5-0 on Aug. 5 to adopt a resolution formally making maintenance of a "fully operational and effective" fire department a city priority and to direct staff to prioritize activities needed to keep the fire station open.

Council member RuPaul, who requested the item, said the resolution was intended to provide clear policy direction and speed up work to avoid a possible station closure in June of the following year. "Maintaining a fully operational and effective fire department is the top priority for the city," RuPaul said during debate, and asked the council to adopt the measure.

Council member Wallace objected to wording in the draft that stated the fire department would take "precedence over all other city activities," expressing concern that the phrasing could be read to mean the city would stop work on other critical services. Council members and staff negotiated a small amendment adding a recital that "the city will continue to perform all other city functions," and RuPaul said the amended language would make the council’s intent clearer while preserving the resolution’s priority directive.

City Manager Jose Ramirez provided an update on work completed to date and next steps. Ramirez said the city had established a Measure L oversight committee, formed an ad hoc committee on fire services, met with neighboring cities and the county, and explored multiple options including contracting with other local departments and Cal Fire. Ramirez noted that Cal Fire costs would be prohibitive in the city's case, citing a figure of about $4 million. He also described the city’s current budget picture for fire, telling the council that Measure L is expected to generate roughly $1.8 million this year and about $2 million next year, while the county currently takes roughly $1.5 million in parcel-tax revenue that supports fire service in the area.

The council amended and approved the resolution; Council member RuPaul moved to approve as amended and Council member Roth seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous: Roth, Paul, Wallace, Mayor Pro Tem Semara and Mayor Moran all voted yes.

What it means: The resolution is a policy statement directing staff to give priority to actions needed to maintain fire services. It does not itself appropriate funds or create a new contract; those steps still must be developed. Ramirez told the council staff is continuing negotiations with Merced County on a possible contract extension and said the city is examining personnel, apparatus and mutual aid options while ordering lead-time apparatus and equipment and continuing to explore regional consolidation possibilities.

Ending: The council adopted the resolution as amended and asked staff to continue negotiations and to report back with any agreements, timelines or additional requests for council action.