Hollister fire contract dispute fuels public pleas and board negotiations

Residents and firefighters pressed the San Benito County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 28 to resolve a disputed fire services contract between the county and the City of Hollister, saying delays have put local fire staffing and public safety at risk.

Several public commenters described recent personnel and financial strain in Hollister Fire and urged supervisors to negotiate a fair contract. “Put the politics aside and create a fair contract now before our fire department is severely impacted,” said Mia Casey, identified in public comment as a former Hollister mayor.

Sandy Patterson Jamarque, a mobile-home resident who described a December house fire, praised Hollister firefighters’ response and urged the board to “take care of our firefighters because they took care of me.” Other speakers warned that firefighters were seeking jobs elsewhere amid uncertainty.

Board members discussed the contract at length and acknowledged the public concerns. Chair Colin Kosmicki said the county was engaged in “good faith negotiations with the new council in Hollister,” and that the city’s recent council action to rescind a termination notice had opened a pathway for talks. Supervisor Rosanna Sotelo (listed in transcript as Sotelo) thanked behavioral-health staff for supporting affected local schools following a recent traffic tragedy and reiterated the board’s intent to avoid layoffs if possible.

Carol Lenore and other residents called for public town-hall meetings so residents could review draft proposals and voiced frustration that developer contributions previously earmarked for a fire station had been placed into the county general fund.

County staff and supervisors repeatedly said negotiations are ongoing and that a list of next steps — including scheduling a joint public forum — could be developed once staff and city leaders agree on a path forward. The board did not vote on contract terms at the meeting.

The board and several speakers urged timely progress, saying a quick resolution is needed to retain trained firefighters and maintain service levels. Chair Kosmicki and other supervisors said the administration and city council have resumed weekly discussions and would continue negotiating.

Ending: Supervisors did not take formal action on the contract at the Jan. 28 meeting but emphasized continuing good‑faith negotiations with Hollister city officials and said they would consider public meetings to share draft proposals and timelines.