Trinidad commits $20,000 to North County fire-service study to explore long-term options
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Summary
The council unanimously approved a $20,000 contribution to a cost-sharing contract to fund a North County fire-service planning study aimed at evaluating service models, cost estimates and governance for the Trinidad/West Haven area.
Trinidad City Council on Nov. 12 approved a fiscal-year 2026 budget amendment of up to $20,000 for the city’s share of a North County Fire working group cost-sharing agreement to pay for a consultant-led CSA (community services assessment) fire-service planning study.
City staff and the working group described the study as an effort to address long-standing concerns about staffing, mutual-aid dependence and rising insurance costs in the CSA 4 area that includes West Haven and the unincorporated areas surrounding Trinidad. Staff said the County of Humboldt currently contracts with CAL FIRE for a cooperative fire program that provides coverage, but that changing fire-season demands and staffing pressures make the long-term model uncertain.
“Between CAL FIRE and the county of Humboldt funds the employment of three firefighters, including operating expenses,” staff said in the report, summarizing the existing cooperative fire program. The proposed study, administered by LACO (a consultant under the partnership), will evaluate operational models, revenue options and cost estimates and consider governance alternatives, the staff report said.
Councilors and residents questioned whether the study would re-test known problems (such as volunteer shortages) but supporters said a neutral consultant could outline implementable options — including cost-sharing, annexation, or other governance changes — that the council and local partners could act on. One council member noted prior council contributions and ongoing regional coordination, and another stressed the potential long-term benefit for insurance risk and reliable coverage.
The motion to amend the FY26 budget and contribute $20,000 to the LACO-administered study was moved and seconded; council approved the amendment unanimously by voice vote.
Next steps: staff said the city’s contribution will join funds from the Trinidad Rancheria and other partners to complete the scope of work. The consultant will prepare deliverables including service-area analysis, cost estimates, staffing models and potential revenue mechanisms; staff will return to council with the study results and any recommended governance or funding actions.