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Firefighters warn of departures, board forms ad hoc to study funding options
Summary
Fire department representatives said recent staff losses and paramedic shortages have pushed staffing to critical levels. The board appointed an ad hoc (Directors Gray and Scott) to review Cambria Fire Department needs and revenue options and later approved the annual CPI increase for the fire assessment.
At a public hearing required by Assembly Bill 2561, the district heard from local firefighter representatives about recruitment and retention challenges. Michael Castellanos, speaking for local firefighters, said recent departures — including a 17‑year veteran captain — and loss of paramedics threaten the department’s ALS (advanced life support) capability: “That's putting us at critical levels, potentially jeopardizing our ALS program,” he said.
Separately, the board discussed an agenda item to appoint an ad hoc committee to evaluate Cambria Fire Department funding needs and revenue‑measure options. Directors Gray and Scott were named to the committee; President Farmer confirmed the appointments. The board also adopted the annual 2.8% CPI adjustment to the fire suppression benefit assessment for FY2026–27, increasing projected assessment revenue by approximately $16,000. Directors and staff emphasized housing affordability, workload, and overtime as key recruitment challenges and said the ad hoc will consider long‑term revenue options and a potential spring 2028 ballot measure timetable if needed.
