Mendocino County Grand Jury • 2006-2007

Fire and Water Don’t Mix Report on the Westport County Water District - Volunteer Fire Department March 1, 2007

Published: March 01, 2007 3 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 22 findings

F1
The primary function of the WCWD is to provide water and sewer services.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Fire protection service, provided by the WVFD, is an additional service defined when the WCWD was created.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
a separate and distinct Fire Protection District be established to encompass the entire response area (“sphere of influence”) of the WVFD, and the fire protection services currently provided by the WCWD be transferred to the new district.
F3
The WCWD budget is based primarily on revenue received from water and sewer services.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
Revenue from water and sewer services (66 residents/businesses) cannot be used in support of fire protection.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
The County of Mendocino has funded WCWD with $2,500 to $6,000 per year over the last three years.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
County parcel tax monies, received by the district, are used primarily to offset State mandated workers’ compensation insurance premiums for volunteer fire protection personnel.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
Current workers’ compensation premiums are nearing $6,000 a year.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
WVFD enjoys a high level of community support. Fund raising and private donations supplement costs for annual operations.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
The WVFD has a roster of 15 volunteers. The 11 active members consist of: the chief, assistant chief, three captains, and six firefighters.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
WVFD reduce their roster to include only active members. This would allow for new personnel recruitment within current insurance premium budget.
F10
The WVFD has six certified first responders and three certified EMTs, with two more in training.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
Currently WVFD personnel pay for most of their essential training.
No recommendations for this finding
F12
The Coast Guard and CDF have provided training and surplus equipment for the volunteers at no cost to the WVFD.
No recommendations for this finding
F13
When WVFD personnel are out of the area for training, the town is often left with few qualified volunteers to cover emergency situations.
No recommendations for this finding
F14
WVFD is actively pursuing grants from various public and private sources to supplement operational needs.
No recommendations for this finding
F15
Recruitment for additional personnel is limited by the cost of increased insurance premiums.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
WVFD reduce their roster to include only active members. This would allow for new personnel recruitment within current insurance premium budget.
F16
WVFD has five operational vehicles in their fleet.
No recommendations for this finding
F17
Due to financial constraints, WVFD currently does not have an operating reserve and has no plans for additional equipment or replacements.
No recommendations for this finding
F18
The WCWD tax base includes approximately 45 separate parcels within the unincorporated village of Westport, which covers slightly less than 10 square miles.
No recommendations for this finding
F19
The WVFD response area is approximately 100 square miles. The boundaries range from seven miles east along Branscomb Road, north on Highway 1 to Usal Road, and south to the Ten Mile Bridge. It also includes the contiguous peripheral coastal and inland areas.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
a separate and distinct Fire Protection District be established to encompass the entire response area (“sphere of influence”) of the WVFD, and the fire protection services currently provided by the WCWD be transferred to the new district.
F20
Within a given year, the WVFD responds to three to four calls within the district (village of Westport), and another 50-plus calls outside the district.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
a separate and distinct Fire Protection District be established to encompass the entire response area (“sphere of influence”) of the WVFD, and the fire protection services currently provided by the WCWD be transferred to the new district.
F21
Services provided outside of the district boundaries or to nonresidents are not billed.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
a separate and distinct Fire Protection District be established to encompass the entire response area (“sphere of influence”) of the WVFD, and the fire protection services currently provided by the WCWD be transferred to the new district.
F22
Costs for establishing a new district, including necessary elections, filing fees, and required documentation, can be in excess of $10,000 to $15,000.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
the Mendocino County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) provide technical and financial support and assistance in the formation of a new fire district in the Westport area.
R4
the Board of Supervisors support and assist the development of a new Fire Protection District for the Westport area in principle, and financially by waiving certain associated fees. Comments The WCWD and community of Westport are to be commended for their ongoing support of the WVFD. A small number of dedicated and capable volunteers continually provide vital fire protection, medical, and recovery services for the coast, north of Fort Bragg. This well-functioning volunteer fire department emerged from serious recent difficulties. It serves the community of Westport and handles any and all emergencies, within their response area. The size and nature of the WCWD is currently limited by property tax revenue. If the Fire Protection District expanded, it would receive larger parcel tax revenues to support critical training and service operations. Response Required Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (Finding 1, 2, 5, 6, 11, 13, 17, 18, 21, 22; Recommendation 2, 4) Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer (Finding 1, 2, 5, 6, 11, 13, 17, 18, 21, 22; Recommendation 2, 4) Board of Directors, Mendocino County LAFCO (Finding 1-5, 11, 13, 14, 17-22; Recommendation 2,3) Board of Directors, Westport County Water District (All Findings; Recommendation 1, 2) Chief, Westport Volunteer Fire Department (All Findings; Recommendations 1,2)

Comments 1

Agency Responses 3

Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.

No Responses Found 2

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Mendocino County County
Westport County Water District Special District