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Board authorizes County Fire Department advisory group; will operate outside Brown Act and report annually
Summary
Supervisors approved formation of a County Fire Department departmental advisory group with an initial term to Dec. 31, 2026; group will not be Brown Act governed, will invite former commission members and produce annual reports, drawing both support and public concern about transparency and meeting cadence.
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Feb. 11 to establish a County Fire Department departmental advisory group to provide advice to General Services and the county fire chief on matters related to county fire services.
Michael Beaton, director of general services and county fire contract administrator, and Chief Jed Wilson of the CAL FIRE San Mateo–Santa Cruz Unit outlined the proposed group’s purpose and operating procedures. The group’s initial membership will include former members of the dissolved Fire Department Advisory Commission to ensure continuity; membership will require county residency or county employment and the group will have no fewer than five appointed members. The advisory group’s initial termination date is Dec. 31, 2026; the Director of General Services may extend that date with notice to the board.
Chief Wilson said the body would not operate under the Brown Act because it is advisory and not a decision‑making entity; that status allows virtual meetings, subcommittees and greater flexibility, he said. Meetings will be posted on the County Fire Department webpage 72 hours in advance; staff said minutes will be maintained and the group will be asked to prepare an annual report for the Director of General Services detailing activities and attendance. The presentation also noted members could receive stipends under county code.
Public commenters raised concerns about reduced transparency if the group meets without Brown Act requirements, urged a predictable meeting cadence (at least quarterly), asked that membership be limited to residents within the County Service Area (CSA) served by County Fire, and requested an email list and agenda subscription for the public. Several speakers asked the board to preserve public access, to post meeting notices promptly and to include regular reporting to the board.
Supervisors discussed the change and asked staff to provide maps and distribution lists; they also asked for follow‑up reporting on membership and attendance and said staff should place a formal application link on the County Fire webpage. Supervisor Koenig moved the recommended actions and Supervisor Martinez seconded; roll call votes were aye from Supervisors DeCerpa, Cummings, Martinez, Koenig and Chair Hernandez. The motion passed unanimously.
Staff said LAFCO is pursuing a separate feasibility study to evaluate conversion of county fire services to an independent special district; staff estimated the LAFCO feasibility phase could take 12–18 months with implementation (if approved) taking additional years.
