Council discusses possible county role in Vernon Fire Department; no decision made

Council members discussed a July meeting with county representatives about a potential county role in the Vernon Fire Department but said the meeting produced no formal decision.

The presiding officer summarized attendance and said "there wasn't any decisions made," adding that the meeting was largely a back-and-forth discussion among county representatives and local leaders. A council member said county officials indicated they would review department budgets and "probably be expecting a 10% cut" across departments as part of that review.

Fire Chief Jaquan attended the meeting and was asked about operational impacts; council members relayed the chief's concern that while a county takeover might bring a staffed position into the area, "it would leave that covered area there without 2" volunteers in other nearby stations. Council members expressed concern that volunteers might not remain if the county implemented staffing changes.

Speakers named several participants who attended or were referenced at the July meeting, including "Kenny Cleaner," "Joey Roth" and David Perez, but council members said no one at the meeting proposed a formal transfer of the department and that the county had not announced any definitive action. One council member said the county "said yes" when asked in general whether they would be willing to consider assuming responsibility, but emphasized that the discussion was preliminary.

Council members said they expect to watch budget discussions closely and to revisit the issue after the August elections, noting that an incoming official could change the county's posture. No motion or formal vote was taken during the workshop on the question of a transfer.