Response from East Contra Costa Fire Protection District

Published: September 12, 2017 8 pages

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Findings and Recommendations 1 findings

F12 Page 1

Additionally, as noted in response to R3, above, the District is preparing to undertake strategic planning, which likely will include a workshopping process with the other governmental agencies to investigate options for additional funding. Should this process indicate another task force is needed, the District will consider forming another task force with a to-be-determined scope, goals, membership, etc. 13768887.1 4. “The ECCFPD Board should consider supporting legislation to reallocate property tax revenues from one or more local agencies to ECCFPD.” Response: This

Related Recommendations (1)

R12

“ECCFPD accepted and implemented recommendations made by the Fire District Task Force.” Response: The District agrees. The Fire District Task Force made five recommendations:  The District was to commission and staff the Knightsen station with financial support from the cities of Brentwood and Oakley. This recommendation was accepted and implemented.  The parties were to form a grass roots, community based group to educate the public on fire and medical response risks and requirements. This was implemented by the District along with the cities of Brentwood and Oakley.  A consultant was to be engaged to explore the possibility of a 2016 ballot initiative to bring more funding for fire and medical response services in the District. The cities of Brentwood and Oakley opted to propose city taxes, rather than a more regional measure, in 2016.  The parties were to consider including the following ideas in a potential 2016 ballot initiative: a) making the ECCFPD an independent district with an elected board, b) changing the District's name to make it clear it is not a “county” agency, and c) establishing a citizen’s oversight committee to oversee implementation of changes as a result of a successful revenue measure. The District placed Measure N on the ballot to transition to an elected Board. Measure N passed and the first elected Board will be elected in November of 2018. The cities' utility user tax measures and companion advisory measures did not (and could not) address the other listed concepts.  Finally, a master plan for the District was to be completed to address the service needs for current and future populations of the District. The District engaged Citygate Associates to perform a Standards of Cover and Headquarters Staffing Master Plan, which was completed in 2016. Where appropriate and financially feasible, the District has taken steps to implement recommendations in the study. 13768887.1 Grand Jury Recommendations and District Responses:

Conclusions 1

CL1

“The ECCFPD Board should consider appointing a district-wide task force to research possible funding opportunities to benefit the fire district and make recommendations to the ECCFPD Board.” Response: This recommendation requires further analysis. One multi-agency task force has already studied the District’s funding problems and made recommendations, which the District has implemented as discussed above in response to Finding F12. Additionally, as noted in response to R3, above, the District is preparing to undertake strategic planning, which likely will include a workshopping process with the other governmental agencies to investigate options for additional funding. Should this process indicate another task force is needed, the District will consider forming another task force with a to-be-determined scope, goals, membership, etc. Page 4 of 5 13768887.1 4. “The ECCFPD Board should consider supporting legislation to reallocate property tax revenues from one or more local agencies to ECCFPD.” Response: This recommendation has not been implemented but will be considered by the District Board of Directors if and when the District's state representatives or other state legislators are prepared to move this idea forward. This could occur within six months, though it may take until further into the 2018 legislative session. The District was aware of both 2017 legislative proposals (A.B. 898 and 899), addressed under Finding F7, above. District staff has kept the Board of Directors informed regarding the measures and has communicated with appropriate State legislators regarding these measures. The District understands that neither of the legislative proposals is moving forward at this time. The District will continue to review and consider supporting any subsequent legislation proposed, and to be a resource to legislators with an interest in helping the District secure a long-term funding solution. However, the District cannot commit to supporting or opposing any particular bill in advance. 5. “The ECCFPD Board should consider negotiating with local agencies to voluntarily transfer a portion of their property tax to ECCFPD.” Response: This recommendation has been implemented. It also remains the subject of ongoing consideration. The District has communicated with all local agencies in the District's jurisdiction that receive revenues from property taxes to gauge their level of support for voluntary reallocation. Other than the single BBID/County transaction, the District has not seen or heard of any agencies considering a property tax transfer. Furthermore, a significant number of the property-tax-supported agencies have indicated that they do not support this option. Though it may be legally feasible, indications thus far are that the idea likely is not realistic. Therefore, while the District acknowledges this option exists, the District does consider it to be reasonably available. If the Grand Jury has additional questions or concerns, please contact me at bhelmick@eccfpd.org or 925-634-3400. Thank you for the opportunity to increase transparency into the District's funding challenges. Sincerely, Brian Helmick Interim Fire Chief cc. East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Board of Directors Page 5 of 5 13768887.1