Arcata Fire District Dwindling Resources = Dwindling Services Released June 24, 2024

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: The Arcata Fire District can no longer invest in the Vehicle Replacement Fund to purchase new engines. This results in high maintenance costs for old equipment and periods of time when engines are out of service. (R1, R2, R3)

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: Current staffing and equipment of the Arcata Fire District is not sufficient to respond to service calls. Increased population and higher structures in the District, including those at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, will result in greater danger and risk to people and property. (R1, R2, R3)

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt receives services from, but is not required to financially contribute to the Arcata Fire District. This results in the Arcata Fire District providing services without receiving compensation, further diminishing Arcata Fire District resources. (R1, R2, R3)

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: The Measure F Special Tax will expire in 2030 which will eliminate over thirty percent of current Arcata Fire District revenue. A loss of that much income will force the Arcata Fire District to reduce staff and services, increasing the risk of personal injury and property damage during calls for emergency service. (R1, R2, F3)

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: The 2006 Benefit Assessment Tax is not indexed to rise with inflation, resulting in the Benefit Assessment Tax becoming an increasingly insufficient source of revenue. This can result in a reduction of service and deterioration of Arcata Fire District facilities and capabilities to handle emergency calls. (R1, R2, R3)

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: The Arcata Fire District, with the cooperation of the City of Arcata and California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, formed a working group and hired a consultant to develop a Standards of Cover report. The findings of this study will guide the Arcata Fire District in developing procedures and standards for ensuring and improving Arcata Fire District public safety. (R4) 28 Standards of Cover (SOC) are the result of the community and the fire department together identifying risk and determining what current, or baseline, levels of performance the fire department can deliver. AFD Board of Directors, January 2024 Board meeting packet. Consultant, AP Triton, Scope of Work, .