Scotts Valley Fire District reports rising calls, capital needs and a renewed push on a new station
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Summary
Fire Chief Mark Carrera said the district ran 2,437 calls in 2024, operates ALS‑level apparatus from three stations including a recently added Branson 40 engine, has set aside $1.5 million toward a new station, and is pursuing shared services and alternate funding after a 61.8% yes vote failed to reach the threshold for Measure S.
Scotts Valley Fire Chief Mark Carrera told attendees the district ran 2,437 incidents in 2024, the majority of which were emergency medical calls. He said the district staffs three stations and now operates a three‑person ALS engine for the Branson 40 community after that area joined the district in December 2023.
Carrera said the board has set aside $1,500,000 toward a new station project and that the district cannot fund a new facility entirely from current revenues; the district previously put Measure S before voters and received 61.8% support but did not meet the required supermajority to pass. He said the board paused a third ballot push after two unsuccessful measures and is exploring options including staging the capital project, leveraging growth-related fees, pursuing shared services, and seeking alternative financing to reduce the measure’s cost to taxpayers.
The chief reviewed capital plans and equipment: recent and upcoming apparatus purchases include a type‑1 engine recently delivered, a type‑6 unit suitable for mountain roads (procured by the former Branson 40 community), and a truck ordered with delivery expected in 2027–28. He also described replacement plans for an aging water tender and life‑saving equipment purchases.
Incident highlights included a December tornado response, a recent tanker rollover, and a multi‑car fire that damaged 10 vehicles. Carrera recognized personnel and awards, promoted internal leaders and described investments in mental‑health and wellness programming for firefighters.
Why this matters: the district’s incident volume, capital needs and inability to self-fund a station create recurring budget and planning challenges that will affect response times and long‑term facility planning.
The chief said the district is pursuing a suite of options — from impact fees to shared services and carefully sequenced capital spending — while continuing to respond to the community with ALS‑capable crews.
