Page 19 - Sonoma County Gazette January 2016

OUR COUNTY cont’d from page 18
aid to other communities and even around the state when called upon. A forward looking fire system will look at regional cooperation, restructuring where possible, and providing adequate funding to departments so that services are not defrayed.
Our county has grown significantly in the past 32 years. Cities have
seen their population expand by
85%, while the unincorporated
areas have become home to an additional 21%. Funding needs have spiraled due to increased need for paid staff, insurance and liability, and increased equipment costs. During the data collection for the report, it was discovered that many departments have aging equipment that should have been replaced, including a 47 year old fire engine and 45-year-old rescue squad! Add to that old, inadequate structures
in many communities, and there is no doubt that working together to streamline and reduce costs while finding additional revenue sources is a priority. Thanks to the 70 plus or minus members of the advisory, who worked together to come up with the data needed, as well as put forward their ideas based on their experience running their individual departments. We look forward to the continued discussion, resulting in a final recommendation to the Board in June 2016.
Hats off to The Sea Ranch Volunteer Fire Department, which will soon become the North Sonoma Coast Fire Protection District! Chief Bonnie Plakos and Board President Don McMahan continued the efforts of past Chief Mike Scott and Assistant Chief Mike Tufts – who carried the ball for several years –
to bring forward an independent District formation for Sea Ranch
and Annapolis volunteer fire departments.
The determined efforts of the department and The Sea Ranch community resulted in a whopping 61% positive petition vote by registered voters in the future District. State law only requires 25% positive for the Local Agency Formation Commission to form a district, but having such a high percentage will mean that the process can go forward without requiring the extra step
of an election. The Sea Ranch and Annapolis are surrounded by other communities with independent fire districts, so as part of the county system, were somewhat cut off and isolated in the Northwest corner of the County.
Best wishes for what is surely a long awaited, well earned North Sonoma Coast Fire Protection District.
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