The Piercy Phoenix a Report on the Piercy Fire Protection District March 16, 2006

Comments 1

• CO1
  As the smallest fire protection district in the County and with no local employers, the PFPD finds itself in a truly hazardous position. In January of 2004 the department shut down operations, in part due to changes in state law. SB1207- Romero 2002 made department chiefs and directors responsible for ensuring that volunteers be trained to the same level as responders in full-time, paid departments. Unfortunately, many would-be volunteers are unable to spend the time and money required not only to reach this level of training but to maintain it. As a result, many fire departments in the County have had to face a drastic shortage of people willing and able to volunteer. The fact that the chief and board of directors are personally responsible for this training was part of the reason that the PFPD closed for more than 18 months. During this time the Leggett Valley Fire Protection District was responding to calls in this area. This resulted in a ripple effect through the rest of the County as other districts had to respond farther north and east to fill in the gap. The revenue to PFPD comes primarily from property taxes. Under the terms of Proposition 13 all property tax is lumped together. This amount is then distributed to the various entities in the County which receive property tax revenue. The amount apportioned to each entity is determined by law. Special districts like PFPD receive a fixed percentage of all property tax revenues proportionate to district area. As a result, this level of support is fixed and offers no solution to the problems facing the district. The fact that the PFPD is once again in operation should not be taken as evidence that these problems no longer exist. With yearly revenues of less than $9000 ( compared to Leggett Valley Fire Protection District with a comparable non-grant budget of $21,300) the PFPD is constantly on the verge of shutting down once again. Should they experience an equipment failure in their aging fleet or a sudden loss of personnel, they may have no option but to close down. Page 2 of 3 2005-2006 Mendocino County Grand Jury The Grand Jury recognizes there is little, if anything, the PFPD can do to alleviate this situation as it is largely the result of State and County policies. The Grand Jury looks to County government to work with the PFPD in seeking innovative ways to maintain public safety. The Grand Jury would like to recognize the extraordinary efforts, both past and ongoing, made by the members of the PFPD and Piercy residents in general in restoring their department to operational status. Response Required Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (Recommendation 2) Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer (Recommendation 2) Board of Directors, Piercy Fire Protection District (Findings 1-13, Recommendation 1) Chief, Piercy Fire Protection District (Findings 1-13, Recommendation 1) Page 3 of 3 2005-2006 Mendocino County Grand Jury