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Firefighters and department leaders urge council to back parcel tax to fund stations
Summary
Representatives of Pasadena firefighters and department leadership urged the council during public comment to approve a parcel tax to fund long-deferred station repairs and equipment; they referenced decades of unmet facility needs and called for unity behind the plan.
Several speakers addressed the council in support of funding the fire department's capital and staffing plan. Rafi Batachian, president of the Pasadena Firefighters Association, said the department has documented needs dating to the late 1990s and urged the council not to lose focus on facilities and capital improvements. "Please let's not lose lose focus on the parcel tax, and let's all, be united on this 1 and and, carry it through," he said.
Christian Miller, president of Pasadena Fire Management and a lifelong resident, said he supports the chief's plan as necessary for the department's sustainability and pledged to personally canvass neighbors to secure support. "I'm concerned clearly about the sustainability of our fire department," Miller said. Several council members noted the urgency for Station 33 given poor condition and seismic issues. The council agreed to continue discussion on August 3 with staff-provided financial scenarios.
