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Council approves one-year CalFire staffing agreement as Measure A failed
Summary
Facing a failed parcel tax (Measure A), the Soledad City Council approved a one-year contract with CalFire for fire services to allow more time for budget adjustments and a phased move to three-person staffing; staff noted the city will seek alternate funding and adjust the budget.
The Soledad City Council on July 1 approved a one-year agreement with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) for services covering the upcoming fiscal year, after staff and council discussed the city's financial constraints following the defeat of Measure A.
City staff said the contract extends from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 and provides an implementation window to move to the three‑person-per‑shift staffing level CalFire requires. Staff explained the parcel tax on the June ballot had been proposed to fund the transition to 3‑staff per shift, but because Measure A failed the city must now adjust the budget and seek other funding options. Staff recommended a one‑year agreement while the city rebalances its finances.
During the presentation, staff noted a multi‑year agreement option is preferred under stable fiscal conditions but a one‑year term is prudent now. Council members thanked CalFire for its partnership and asked about timing; staff confirmed CalFire had allowed an additional six months to implement the staffing change. The council adopted resolution 6396 approving the agreement.
