Revamped fire department contract could save $150k

Sonoma Valley fire fighting agencies could save more than $150,000 under a proposal approved by the Sonoma City Council.
The plan calls for restructuring the Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue Authority, the standing collaboration between the Valley of the Moon Fire Protection District and the City of Sonoma. Formed in 2002 under a Joint Powers Authority, the SVFRA integrated all local fire and rescue operations.
Now, a long-studied change would instead have the City of Sonoma contract for fire services from the district entity.
The contract-for-services scenario is the best course of action, according to a report by Fire Chief Philip Garcia. The model was determined to be the most practical and economically efficient.
The arrangement would parallel how the city contracts with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department to run the Sonoma Police Department.
The city council agreed with the recommendation to develop a single-payroll-parent agency that would be responsible for the day-to-day operations as well as all administrative functions.
The consolidation would save the city about $100,000 and the district some $50,000.
The bulk of the savings would result from city firefighters becoming County employees. The shift would eliminate duplication of services and simplify the payroll process. It also streamlines costs for labor negotiators and management/staff time.
Day to day operations would not change. Each agency would maintain ownership of its fire station and equipment. All current property holdings would remain with each respective agency, according to the report.
The report was endorsed unanimously by the City Council, which directed staff to prepare a draft contract for approval at a future meeting.