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Residents of Avenal press supervisors to keep Kings County Fire contract, reject short-term volunteer plan
Summary
Multiple Avenal residents told the Board of Supervisors during unscheduled public comment that they oppose the city’s plan to replace county fire services with a volunteer department or a short-term contract, and urged the board to maintain a multi-year contract with Kings County Fire.
Several Avenal residents addressed the Board of Supervisors during unscheduled public comment on June 10 to urge continued county fire services and oppose a short-term or cancelable contract with the city.
Sheila Verdugo, identified herself as a longtime resident and former city employee, told the board the community needs a solid three‑year contract with Kings County Fire rather than a plan that could be terminated in one or three months.
"We need this contract with the county with no stipulations, no 3 month get out of jail free card, no month to month. We need a solid 3 years," Verdugo said. "This volunteer fire department that they're trying to put together in months takes years to do, and they are trying to push this on the community in months. We need help."
Veronica Agar, speaking online, thanked supervisors for attending a recent city council meeting and said Avenal residents "do not support what is happening" and want Kings County Fire to continue protecting the community.
Supervisor Richard Valle and other board members referenced recent outreach and said they are tracking the situation. Valle thanked staff for quick work preparing a draft contract for the city council and said county leaders will continue to engage with city officials and community members.
No formal board action on the Avenal contract appeared on Tuesday’s agenda; public comments were referred to staff for follow‑up, per the board’s standard practice.
