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Council approves amended Humboldt Bay Fire JPA, phases cost-share toward 60/40 split
Summary
The council approved an amended joint powers agreement with Humboldt Number 1 Fire Protection District to formalize operations of Humboldt Bay Fire, including a phased financial transition toward a 60/40 city/district cost‑share and creation of a fifth at‑large board member.
The City Council voted unanimously to approve an amended and restated joint exercise of powers agreement establishing the Humboldt Bay Fire Joint Powers Authority. The updated agreement codifies the organizations’ operational consolidation and a recommended financial transition plan that moves the cost-allocation ratio toward a 60% city / 40% district split over the transition period.
Chief Citro reviewed the JPA’s history — joint operations began in 2013, staffing and crews were integrated thereafter, and the JPA has evolved since its original 2011 formation. He told council the consultant-recommended allocation was based principally on the number of fire stations (three in the city and two in the district) and that staff would review financials after midyear budget adjustments to determine whether the 60/40 target can be achieved earlier than scheduled. Director Millar estimated the fiscal impact of moving from 65% to 60% at approximately $500,000 in annual savings to the city based on earlier analysis.
The amended agreement also creates an at-large fifth JPA board member, to be jointly recommended by the city manager and district fire chief and confirmed by the JPA board; the position will have a two‑year term and may be removed by majority vote of the board.
Council members praised the years-long transition and the operational benefits of consolidation; the council approved the amended agreement 5–0. Staff will implement the updated agreement and coordinate any further financial analyses required by the JPA board.
Next steps: staff and the JPA board will finalize the implementation timeline and conduct the midyear financial analysis to confirm the pace of the cost-share transition.
