Council hears fire ad hoc update; Measure L revenue cited as first step toward municipal fire service

At the Nov. 18 meeting the council received a progress report from the fire ad hoc committee on options to maintain and expand emergency services in Livingston. Committee members reviewed Cal Fire cost estimates for staffing a local station and discussed whether to continue with county service, build a joint authority, or create a city fire department.

Staff said Cal Fire initially provided an estimate near $6.5 million for personnel costs, later adjusting to roughly $4 million; committee members described those figures as challenging for the city to absorb. Council heard that Measure L—approved by voters earlier—was expected to generate approximately $1.2 million to $1.8 million per year and that the county had offered a 36‑month extension of existing service contracts to allow time for planning and transition.

Committee staff said the personnel estimates do not include equipment and that city staff would return with proposed job descriptions and a salary schedule; staff also said a resolution and staff report to consider purchase of a new fire apparatus would come to council soon. The lead time for apparatus was noted as at least two years.

Council members and community volunteers at the meeting expressed support for avoiding station closures and emphasized coordination with county and mutual‑aid partners as the city plans next steps.

Next steps: staff said they expect to bring job descriptions and a salary schedule to council in January and to return with an apparatus purchase recommendation and supporting resolution.