KCBA - Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz - News Weather-Monterey and Marina Vote To Consider Joint Fire Services
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MONTEREY, Calif. - Some cities on the peninsula are a step closer to something that's been talked about for decades, combining fire departments. It's part of a plan for cities across the peninsula to save money.
Monterey Fire Chief Sam Mazza says the merger has gone exceptionally well by providing better service to both cities.
"We believe we are better prepared and poised now to provide enhanced services for both the community and residents of Monterey and Pacific Grove with increased depth and operational integration," says Chief Sam Mazza.
It's been one year since the merger, and now the Monterey and Pacific Grove Fire Departments want to be a model to other cities and fire agencies on the peninsula. Monterey Fire Chief Sam Mazza says the merger has gone exceptionally well by providing better service to both cities.
Wednesday, the city of Monterey approved to seriously look at joint operations with the City of Marina.
"Looking forward to the opportunity to discuss the governance models with not only Pacific Grove but other local communities to see if this model or something similar might also benefit them as well," says Chief Mazza.
One of the benefits is cutting costs. Chief Mazza says joining forces lets departments offer the same service and save money.
"By sharing all of the redundant command and administrative support services, we believe we can on a large scale reduce those costs to everybody by some degree," says Chief Mazza.
Talks about merging fire services along the peninsula are nothing new. Cities have been discussing a sub-regional fire agency since the 1980's. But after several decades, why move forward now?
"That's the million dollar question and I think it boils down to politics and economics are the two big drivers in this those seem to be in good alignment right now. We have folks that are very willing to look at this seriously," says Chief Mazza.
Marina's decision is a change of heart. A few years ago, the town voted down plans to combine fire services with Seaside.
