LAFCO
Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Update: Districts Providing Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services In Monterey County
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LAFCO
of Monterey County
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION OF MONTEREY COUNTY
Final
2012 Municipal Service Review
and Sphere of Influence Update:
Districts Providing Fire Protection and
Emergency Medical Services
In Monterey County
Adopted by the Commission on March 26, 2012
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Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Report Overview and Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Recommended Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Key Findings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
CHAPTER ONE: MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW DETERMINATIONS 15
A. Scope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
B. Summary of Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
C. Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
D. Determinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
1. Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2. The Locations and Characteristics of any Disadvantaged Unincorporated
Communities within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3. Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public
Services, and Infrastructure Needs or Deficiencies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4. Financial Ability of Agency to Provide Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5. Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6. Accountability for Community Service Needs, including Government
Structure and Operational Efficiencies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
7. Any Other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery, as
Required by Commission Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
CHAPTER TWO: SPHERE OF INFLUENCE DETERMINATIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS 25
A. Scope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
B. Summary of Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
C. Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
D. Determinations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
1. The Present and Planned Land Uses in the Area, Including Agricultural and
Open-Space Lands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2. The Present and Probably Need for Public Facilities and Services in the Area 30
3. The Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services
that the Agency Provides or is Authorized to Provide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4. The Existence of Any Social or Economic Communities of Interest in the
Area if the Commission determines that they are Relevant to the Agency. . . . 31
LAFCO
of Monterey County i
CHAPTER THREE: DISTRICT PROFILES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
A. Aromas Tri-County Fire Protection District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
B. Cachagua Fire Protection District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
C. Carmel Highlands Fire Protection District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
D. Cypress Fire Protection District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
E. Gonzales Rural Fire Protection District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
F. Greenfield Fire Protection District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
G. Mission Soledad Rural Fire Protection District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
H. Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
I. Monterey Peninsula Airport District (Fire Protection and Emergency Medical
Services Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
J. North County Fire Protection District of Monterey County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
K. Pebble Beach Community Services District (Fire Protection and Emergency
Medical Services Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
L. South Monterey County Fire Protection District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
M. Spreckels Community Services District (Fire Protection and Emergency Medical
Services Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
N. County Service Area 74 (Monterey County Emergency Medical Services) . . . . . . . 149
APPENDIX 157
A. Acknowledgements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
B. Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services Providers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
C. Description and Sources of Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
D. Relationship to Prior and Future Municipal Service Reviews. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
ii FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
LIST OF TABLES
Table ES-1: Area, Population, and ISO Ratings (All Districts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Table ES-2: Annual Primary Response Calls for Service (All Districts). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Table ES-3: Annual Revenue, Fund Balance, and Population (All Districts) . . . . . . . . . 14
LIST OF MAPS
MAP ES-1: Map of Fire Protection Agencies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
MAP ES-2: Map of State and Federal Responsibility Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Aromas Tri-County Fire Protection District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Cachagua Fire Protection District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Carmel Highlands Fire Protection District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Cypress Fire Protection District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Gonzales Rural Fire Protection District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Greenfield Fire Protection District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Mission Soledad Rural Fire Protection District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Monterey Peninsula Airport District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Monterey Regional Airport Property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
North County Fire Protection District of Monterey County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Pebble Beach Community Services District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
South Monterey County Fire Protection District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Spreckels Community Services District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
County Service Area 74. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
LAFCO
of Monterey County iii
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iv FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
This report provides information about the services and boundaries of special districts providing
fire protection and pre-hospital emergency medical services (EMS) in Monterey County. The
report is for use by the Local Agency Formation Commission in conducting a statutorily
required review and update process. Of the fourteen districts reviewed in this report, ten are
fire protection districts, one is a countywide EMS district, two are community services districts,
and one is a regional airport district. While the report discusses the services and boundaries of
all of these districts, formal boundary updates are recommended only for the ten fire protection
districts and the countywide EMS district. The other three districts provide multiple types of
services; their Spheres of Influence will be updated as part of future municipal service reviews
for those districts.
Fire protection and emergency medical services are among the oldest and most critical services
provided by government. In Monterey County, these services are provided by a network of
Federal, State and local agencies, and by volunteer firefighters. Maps ES-1 and ES-2, on the next
two pages, illustrate the boundaries of local fire protection agencies and the responsibility areas
of state and federal firefighters.
More than ninety-eight percent of Monterey County residents live within the boundaries of a
city or special district providing fire protection and emergency medical services. City services
and boundaries were reviewed by LAFCO in 2010 and 2011. This report focuses on the crucial
role of special districts that deliver fire protection and EMS services. More than 110,000 people
receive fire protection and EMS services from districts, including 95 percent of all
unincorporated residents and the residents of the City of Greenfield. Special districts receive
almost 9,000 primary response calls a year for fire protection and EMS services, about a quarter
of all such calls in the County. Districts providing fire protection services cover 1,300 square
miles, more than one-third of the land area of Monterey County, plus another 900 square miles
(mostly in South County) in Spheres of Influence that extend beyond district boundaries. In
addition, all 415,000 County residents benefit from County Service Area 74 that provides
countywide support for emergency medical services supplied by many participating agencies. As
a group, special districts receive approximately $35 million a year to provide fire and emergency
medical services in Monterey County. District comparisons are provided in Table ES-1 (page
12), Table ES-2 (page 13) and Table ES-3 (page 14).
This report complies with State law. The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act requires that the
Commission conduct periodic reviews and updates of the Spheres of Influence of all cities and
districts in Monterey County (Government Code section 56425(e)). It also requires LAFCO to
conduct a service review of municipal services before adopting Sphere updates (Government
Code section 56430).
LAFCO
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FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
REPORT OVERVIEW AND ORGANIZATION
This report is composed of three chapters and an appendix.
Chapter One is a combined review of fire protection and pre-hospital emergency medical
services provided by fourteen special districts. The districts include ten fire protection districts,
two community services districts, one regional airport district, and one countywide emergency
services district. The chapter is organized by seven statutory determinations that need to be
made for municipal service reviews.
Chapter Two is a combined review of the Spheres of Influence of the County’s ten fire
protection districts and the countywide County Service Area 74 (Emergency Medical Services).
The chapter is organized by four statutory determinations that need to be made for Sphere of
Influence updates. No Sphere changes are necessary or recommended for seven of the fire
districts; the recommended action is to simply affirm their existing Spheres of Influence.
Similarly, no changes are necessary for the countywide EMS district. No change is
recommended in the North County Fire Protection District’s Sphere of Influence, although the
designation of a Future Study Area is recommended for possible expansion of the District’s
Sphere. Minor amendments are recommended for the Spheres of Influence of two Districts: the
Carmel Highlands and Cypress Fire Protection Districts.
Boundaries are discussed, but no Sphere updates are provided, for the three multi-service
districts that also provide fire protection and emergency medical services. Those updates will be
done as part of future municipal service reviews.
Chapter Three contains individual profiles for all fourteen districts that provide fire protection
and emergency medical services. These profiles provide a “snapshot” of operations and
boundaries.
The Appendix contains acknowledgements, information about the network of service
providers, data sources, and a description of how this report relates to other municipal service
reviews.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
The Executive Officer recommends that LAFCO consider and adopt a resolution:
1. Finding that the action is exempt from provisions of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) as “information collection” under Section 15306 of the State
CEQA Guidelines and based on the determination that this action does not have the
potential for causing a significant effect on the environment (Section 15061(b)(3));
2. Adopting the 2012 Municipal Service Review for all fourteen Special districts
providing Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services in Monterey County;
4 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
3. Affirming the currently adopted Spheres of Influence of the Aromas Tri-County,
Cachagua, Gonzales Rural, Greenfield, Mission Soledad Rural, Monterey County
Regional, and South Monterey County Fire Protection Districts, and County Service
Area 74 (Emergency Medical Services);
4. Affirming the currently adopted Sphere of Influence of the North County Fire
Protection District, and designating a Future Study Area for possible expansion of the
Sphere, as shown on the map on page 32, and
5. Amending the Spheres of Influence of the Carmel Highlands and Cypress Fire
Protection Districts to include adjacent areas not currently within the boundaries of
a fire protection agency, as shown on the maps on pages 33 and 34.
The Executive Officer commends and encourages the ongoing work and accomplishments by
local fire protection and emergency medical service providers to cooperatively provide efficient
and effective services. Cooperative arrangements will likely continue to take many forms in the
future, including mutual and automatic aid agreements, formal and informal agreements for
services, and possibly the functional and/or boundary consolidation of some agencies. Districts
will also continue to explore and implement strategies to maximize revenue and control costs,
such as new staffing patterns, the use of volunteers, and property benefit assessment ballot
measures.
LAFCO commends the majority of the districts reviewed in this report that maintain up-to-date
fiscal and operational information. State law1 requires that each district file an audit with the
State Controller and County Auditor within 12 months of the end of the fiscal year or years
under examination. Two of the districts surveyed were unable to provide LAFCO with an audit
meeting this requirement. LAFCO encourages all districts to meet their responsibilities for
fiscal disclosure.
Eight of the fourteen districts surveyed maintained websites which provide basic information on
the composition of their board of directors and post agendas for upcoming meetings. These
districts are providing the public with needed information. Some districts also post additional
useful information about district operations and finances.
LAFCO encourages districts without websites to establish one to improve public accessibility.
All districts are encouraged to maintain up-to-date websites that include, at a minimum, a
listing of district directors and their terms, announcements of upcoming meetings, meeting
agendas and minutes, annual budgets, performance data, and current audits. This information is
useful to promote transparency and accountability, as well as allowing public oversight of
district activities.
1 Government Code section 26909(a)(2).
LAFCO
of Monterey County 5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
KEY FINDINGS
Following are the key findings of this report:
1. Spheres of Influence and District Boundaries
State law2 defines a "Sphere of Influence" as the plan representing LAFCO’s determination
for the probable physical boundaries and service area of a local agency. More than 98
percent of the County’s residents live within the boundaries of a city or special district
providing fire protection and emergency medical services. Map ES-1 (page 2) shows the
boundaries of local service providers. Large geographic areas lie outside of the Spheres of
Influence and district boundaries, but those areas are sparsely populated and are primarily
served by State or Federal government agencies. As no significant population growth is
expected in the outlying areas, there is little or no need to expand the Spheres of Influence of
local fire protection districts into those areas. Map ES-2 (page 3) shows the location of State
and Federal Responsibility Areas. Table ES-1 (page 12) lists the estimated area, population,
and ISO Public Protection Classification for each district.
Eight of the County’s fire protection districts have Spheres of Influence that match their
district boundaries. Two fire protection districts have Spheres of Influence that extend
beyond their district boundaries: Carmel Highlands and South Monterey County FPDs.
The Carmel Highlands FPD has a small Sphere area outside of its boundaries. The South
Monterey County FPD has a Sphere of approximately 870 square miles beyond the District’s
current 1,300 square mile boundary. The South County FPD anticipates an application to
LAFCO to annex portions of its Sphere.
No Sphere of Influence change, or designation of a Future Study Area, is necessary or
recommended for seven of the fire protection districts: Aromas Tri-County, Cachagua,
Gonzales Rural, Greenfield, Mission Soledad Rural, Monterey County Regional, and South
Monterey County FPDs. Their Spheres of Influence already well define their probable
service areas, and no adjacent outlying areas would benefit from fire protection services. The
recommended action for the seven districts is to simply affirm their existing Spheres of
Influence.
Minor Sphere expansions are recommended for two fire protection districts – Carmel
Highlands and Cypress. Some areas adjacent to these two districts may benefit from local
services. Both Districts support this recommendation and anticipate future annexation
applications to extend services to the expansion areas. Maps on pages 33 and 34 show the
recommended Sphere amendments for Carmel Highlands and Cypress FPDs.
The Executive Officer recommends the designation of a Future Study Area for the North
County Fire Protection District. This designation would recognize the existence of an area
between the District and the City of Marina that is now outside the boundaries of any local
agency providing fire protection and EMS service. This island of approximately 2,500 acres
2 Government Code section 56076.
6 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
contains the regional landfill, the wastewater treatment plant, and agricultural lands. The
designation of a Future Study Area indicates that this area may warrant inclusion in the
North County FPD’s Sphere in future years following additional study. The District is in
support of this study. The location of the recommended Future Study Area is identified in a
map on page 32.
No Sphere of Influence changes are necessary or recommended for the countywide County
Service Area 74. This special District provides support for emergency medical services
provided to all County residents. The District’s Sphere of Influence and boundaries are
identical to the boundaries of the County of Monterey.
Three multi-service districts provide fire protection and emergency medical services as part
of their operations: the Monterey Peninsula Airport District, the Pebble Beach Community
Services District, and the Spreckels Community Services District. The Airport District’s
Sphere of Influence is identical to its boundary, but the District provides fire protection and
emergency medical services only on property owned by the airport. The Pebble Beach
Community Services District has a small Sphere of Influence area beyond its boundary, and
the District anticipates annexing that area in the future. The Spreckels Community Services
District’s Sphere of Influence is identical to its boundary, but the District provides services
only to a slightly smaller area that is served by the Spreckels Volunteer Fire Company. This
report discusses only the fire protection and EMS services delivered by these multi-service
districts. Because the report does not address other services provided by these districts, no
formal recommendations for Sphere of Influence updates are provided now. Sphere updates
will be done as part of a future comprehensive review of the services and boundaries of the
three districts.
2. Firefighting Consolidation and Cooperation
Fire protection agencies have historically been on the forefront of forging cooperative
efforts. This tradition has been formalized into a network of mutual and automatic aid
agreements between individual agencies and through the State’s mutual aid system. Today’s
fire protection agencies are looking closely at cooperative arrangements to maintain
adequate and cost effective services. These include functional and full consolidations,
contracts for service, and governance models such as joint powers authorities. LAFCO can
play a vital role in helping fire agencies confront multiple challenges and plan for the future.
The State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is the statewide agency
responsible for wildfire management. In addition to this State-funded responsibility, CAL
FIRE has, for many years, contractually provided firefighting service to five special districts:
the Aromas Tri-County FPD, the Carmel Highlands FPD, the Cypress FPD, the Pebble Beach
CSD, and the South Monterey County FPD. In 2011, the City of Soledad began contracting
with CAL FIRE to provide services within the City and the Mission Soledad Rural Fire
Protection District. Each of these contracts is individually written to meet local needs. All
of the agencies served by CAL FIRE’s San Benito - Monterey Unit benefit through cost
efficiencies derived through shared management services, and agencies frequently share fire
stations and apparatus.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 7
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Cities on the Monterey Peninsula have a history of shared fire protection service. The Cities
of Del Rey Oaks and Sand City have long been contractually served by the fire departments
of neighboring cities. Del Rey Oaks presently receives service from the City of Seaside Fire
Department and Sand City contracts with the City of Monterey. The Cities of Pacific Grove
and Carmel-by-the Sea currently use the services of the Monterey City Fire Department.
The City of Monterey also provides services to the U. S. Army’s Presidio of Monterey, the
Navy’s Postgraduate School, and the La Mesa Village area.
In the Salinas Valley, cities and adjacent fire protection districts often join together to
provide fire protection service. The Gonzales and Mission Soledad Rural Fire Protection
Districts contract to receive fire protection service from the cities they surround. The City of
Greenfield does not have a fire department, but instead relies on the services of the
Greenfield Fire Protection District, which provides firefighting service within a 46-square
mile area.
Some districts have formed, or expanded their powers, to support local volunteer firefighting
companies. This occurred when the Spreckels Community Services District began
supporting fire protection in 1991, when the Cachagua FPD formed in 1993, and when the
South Monterey County FPD was formed in 1997. Fire protection districts have also merged
to increase efficiencies. This occurred most recently when the Monterey County Regional
and Carmel Valley Fire Protection Districts merged in 2011.
3. Emergency Medical Service Cooperation
County Service Area 74 (Emergency Medical Services) provides funds for the operation of
the County’s Emergency Medical Services Agency and related programs. The EMS Agency
plans, coordinates and evaluates the various elements of a countywide paramedic and
ambulance system. This system includes over 100 participating agencies such as ground and
air ambulance providers, hospitals, law enforcement and fire agencies, community colleges,
American Red Cross chapters, and the American Heart Association.
While the County Service Area was previously responsible for providing emergency medical
training to fire districts and other first responders, it now assists these local agencies to
develop and provide their own training. This shift had been urged by local agencies, and has
been well received.
In Fiscal Year 2010-11, over 71% of all calls for service referred by the County Department of
Emergency Communications to fire protection districts and city fire departments were
medical in nature.3 When a medical emergency occurs, the County Emergency
Communications system alerts both the local fire protection agency and the ambulance
service and both respond. As firefighters are frequently the first responders to medical
emergencies, it is essential that they have medical training. With few exceptions,
3 Primary response calls were coded by the County into the following categories: MEO (Medical Emergency) -
21,507 calls, UIA (Unidentified Injury Accident) - 2,457 calls, and VIA (Vehicle Injury Accident) - 1,031 calls. The
total of all calls for service within Monterey County referred to federal, state, city, district and volunteer firefighters
in Fiscal Year 2010-11 was 34,973. Of this total, about 9,000 of the calls were dispatched to special districts. See
Table ES-3, on page 14.
8 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
firefighters are trained as emergency medical technicians and many are trained as
paramedics able to provide advanced life support services.
Table ES-2 (page 13) lists annual primary response calls for service of the fire protection
districts in the County. In 2010, about 9,000 calls for service were dispatched to districts
that provide fire protection and emergency medical services. This is roughly one-quarter of
all calls received in the County. With the exception of the Monterey Peninsula Airport
District, the percentage of all calls that are for emergency medical service ranges from 57% to
85%. (Over 90% of the calls for service to the airport fire department are for “citizen assists,”
which includes assistance for individuals experiencing trouble breathing or slipping and
falling.)
The Monterey County Emergency Medical Services Agency anticipates major nationwide
changes in the delivery of medical services in the next few years. These changes are part of a
continuing trend that will change the work of Monterey County first responders.
4. Finances
The current national recession has reduced revenues to virtually all local government
agencies. Particularly hard hit are local agencies relying on property or sales tax, or
increasingly, assistance from the State or Federal governments. The rate of residential and
commercial development has dropped substantially depriving local government of physical
improvements and tax revenues. In the last few months, the State has mandated the
dissolution of local redevelopment agencies. This dissolution removes an important source
of discretionary funds for the County and many local cities. The recession has also reduced
use of the airport, reducing revenue available to the District for all uses, including
firefighting and emergency medical services.
Although all local agencies providing fire protection and EMS services have been hurt by the
recession, there are significant variations in the amount of revenue received by the districts.
Among the districts providing fire protection in Fiscal Year 2009-10, the Carmel Highlands
FPD received $2,070 in revenue for each District resident, while the Greenfield FPD received
$33 for each of its residents.
The variation in revenue is due to a number of factors, including: 1) the date of a District’s
formation and past taxation levels; 2) differences in assessed valuation; 3) land development
and property sales within the agency’s boundaries; and 4) the willingness of local voters to
propose and approve tax measures.
While LAFCO has little control over most of the factors listed above, LAFCO can ensure the
mitigation of negative fiscal or service impacts resulting from special district detachments.
Mitigation is supported by a local LAFCO policy4 that discourages “proposals that would
have adverse financial impacts on the provision of governmental services.” An example of
the implementation of this policy occurred with a recent annexation to the City of Salinas
and corresponding detachment from the Monterey County Regional FPD. For this
4 Policies and Procedures Relating to Spheres of Influence and Changes of Organization and Reorganization, section D.VII.1.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 9
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
annexation, specific fiscal mitigations were included in the Tax Transfer Agreement to
ensure a continuing share of property taxes for the Monterey County Regional FPD. The fire
districts most affected financially by potential city annexations, and district detachments,
are the Monterey County Regional, South Monterey County, and Cypress FPDs.
In addition to needing adequate revenues, a local agency relies on its fund balance to provide
a cushion for unforeseen expenditures or revenue shortfalls. A fund balance helps to ensure
that resources are available to meet the cost of operations. As shown in Table ES-3 (page
14), the fire protection districts reviewed in this report have fund balances ranging from 3%
of annual district budget to 188% of annual budget.
All districts strive to provide the highest quality of service possible with available resources.
Out of necessity, those districts with the least financial resources must sometimes rely on
older, and fewer, fire engines. They put fewer firefighters on each engine. They defer
maintenance.
The use of volunteer firefighters has traditionally been a way to economically provide fire
protection. In Monterey County, volunteers are heavily relied on within the southern
Salinas Valley and the southern coastal regions. In the Salinas Valley, the South Monterey
County FPD, the Gonzales Fire Department (which serves the City and the Gonzales Rural
FPD), and the King City Fire Department are substantially all-volunteer organizations.
Additionally, the Greenfield FPD relies primarily on volunteer firefighters. The southern
coast is protected by the Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Mid-Coast Volunteer Fire
Company. The communities of Cachagua and Spreckels are served by all-volunteer fire
companies.
Table ES-3 (page 14) gives details on the annual revenue of districts providing fire protection
and emergency medical services.
5. Public Accountability and Transparency
Six of the fire protection districts, the two community services districts, and the airport
district are governed by directors who are elected at-large by voters. While some districts
regularly have contested elections, other districts routinely hold uncontested elections, or
lack a full slate of candidates. If the number of candidates does not exceed the number of
available seats, an election is cancelled and the Monterey County Board of Supervisors
directly appoints Directors.
The boards of directors of four fire protection districts - the Carmel Highlands, Mission
Soledad, Monterey County Regional, and South Monterey County FPDs - are directly
appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. While appointment by the Board of
Supervisors eliminates one level of public participation and input, it also allows monies that
would have been allocated for elections to be used for the direct provision of services.
County Service Area 74 (Emergency Medical Services) is a dependent special district
governed directly by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. The five County
supervisors are elected from geographic districts for four-year terms.
10 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Twelve districts reviewed in this report have prepared up-to-date fiscal and operational
information. State law5 requires that each district file an audit with the State Controller and
County Auditor within 12 months of the end of the fiscal year or years under examination.
Two of the districts surveyed were unable to provide LAFCO with an audit meeting this
requirement.
Of the fourteen special districts providing fire protection and emergency medical services,
eight maintain websites listing information about the Board of Directors and postings of
upcoming Board meeting agendas. Four districts do not maintain websites, although
information on firefighting activities can be found on related websites. These related
websites are maintained by cities or volunteer fire companies that partner with the district.
While these websites contain useful information, none list information on District Board
Members or Board meetings. Two districts do not maintain websites.
All districts are encouraged to establish websites if they do not now have them, and to
maintain up-to-date websites which include, at a minimum, a listing of district directors and
their terms, announcements of upcoming meetings, meeting agendas and minutes, annual
budgets, performance data, and current audits. This information is needed to promote
transparency and accountability, as well as allowing public oversight of district activities.
5 Government Code section 26909(a)(2).
LAFCO
of Monterey County 11
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12 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
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FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE 13
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14 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER ONE: MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW
DETERMINATIONS
A. Scope
This Chapter contains the recommended Municipal Services determinations for the fire and pre-
hospital emergency services provided by all fourteen special districts in Monterey County that
provide these services. These districts are County Service Area 74 (Emergency Medical
Services), the County’s ten fire protection districts (Aromas Tri-County, Cachagua, Carmel
Highlands, Cypress, Gonzales, Greenfield, Mission Soledad Rural, Monterey County Regional,
North County, and South Monterey County), and three multi-service districts (Monterey
Peninsula Airport District and the Pebble Beach and Spreckels Community Services Districts).
A complete review of all services provided by the three multi-service districts will be done in the
future.
B. Summary of Recommendations
Based on the recommended determinations in this chapter, the Executive Officer recommends
that the Commission adopt the Municipal Service Review for all fourteen special districts
providing fire protection and emergency medical services in Monterey County.
C. Overview
The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act requires LAFCO to conduct a service review of the municipal
services provided in the County or other appropriate area prior to updating the Sphere of
Influence of a local agency. This chapter contains a recommended written statement of
LAFCO’s determinations with respect to seven areas as required by Government Code section
56430(a). Each recommended determination applies to all fourteen districts as a group for each
of the following seven areas:
1. Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area;
2. The Location and Characteristics of any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities
within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence;
3. Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services, and
Infrastructure Needs or Deficiencies;
4. Financial Ability of Agency to Provide Services;
5. Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities;
6. Accountability for Community Service Needs, including Government Structure and
Operational Efficiencies, and
7. Any Other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery, as Required by
Commission Policy.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 15
CHAPTER ONE: MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW DETERMINATIONS
Individual profiles of each of the fourteen districts are in Chapter Three.
Fire protection and emergency medical services are also provided by eleven of the twelve cities
in the County. Service and boundary reviews of the cities were completed in 2010 and 2011.
Essential fire protection and emergency medical services are also provided by the Federal and
State governments and local volunteer fire companies and battalions. LAFCO has no authority
over these entities. A brief review of their services is included in the Appendix.
D. Determinations
1. GROWTH AND POPULATION PROJECTIONS FOR THE AFFECTED AREA
Except for the most rural areas of the County which are not officially protected from structural
fire hazards, and Federally-owned lands, the structural fire protection needs of the County are
met by cities, special districts, and volunteer fire companies.
It is estimated that special district provide fire protection service to the great majority of
residents in the unincorporated County. The 2010 population of the unincorporated County is
100,213. Almost 95% of these people (93,931) live within the fire protection boundaries of the
County’s fire protection districts, and the Pebble Beach and Spreckels Community Services
Districts6.
The unincorporated population of the County – the population not living within a city - has
remained constant for the past 20 years, with census population figures of 100,258 in 2000 and
100,479 in 1990. Growth within the cities over the past 20 years has dropped the
unincorporated portion of the population from 28% to 24%.
Recent urban growth in Monterey County has been halted by the current recession. When
growth resumes, the districts that serve the greatest percentage of the population are likely to
receive much of the projected population growth. These are the North County, Monterey
County Regional, and Greenfield Fire Protection Districts. These districts serve respectively
34%, 29%, and 15% of the population served by districts for fire protection service.
The County’s 2009 Housing Element lists 2,891 housing units approved or in development in the
unincorporated County. While it is unknown if these developments will be constructed,
approximately 98% of the future units are located within the boundaries of either the Monterey
County Regional (54%) or North County (44%) Fire Protection District. The biggest two
developments on the list are Phase I of the East Garrison Project within the former Fort Ord
(1,470 units) and Butterfly Village7 in the southern end of Prunedale (1,147 units).
6 The Greenfield Fire Protection District additionally protects residents of the City of Greenfield. Special districts
therefore provide fire protection service to 110,261 people in Monterey County. 16,330 of these people live in the
City of Greenfield and 93,931 live in the unincorporated County.
7 Butterfly Village is the revised Rancho San Juan development.
16 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER ONE: MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW DETERMINATIONS
The City of Greenfield, which is served by the Greenfield Fire Protection District, has a recent
history of growth. Between 2000 and 2010, the City grew faster than any other Salinas Valley
city: an increase of 29% from 12,648 to 16,330. The City-approved General Plan calls for an
eventual City population of 37,000. The City’s growth has been halted by the current economy,
and the City is now reexamining its growth plans.
County Service Area 74 serves the entire incorporated and unincorporated County with
emergency medical services. Monterey County’s growth should have a neutral impact on this
county-wide District. Growth and development will add to both the District’s responsibilities
and its parcel-based revenues.
2. THE LOCATION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF ANY DISADVANTAGED
UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITIES WITHIN OR CONTIGUOUS TO THE SPHERE
OF INFLUENCE.
The boundaries of County Service Area 74 (Emergency Medical Services) cover the entire
County, including any disadvantaged unincorporated communities. No identified
disadvantaged unincorporated communities have been identified within or contiguous to the
Spheres of Influence of districts providing fire protection service in Monterey County. The
existing local government fire protection agencies in the County include within their boundaries
most of the County’s inhabited communities. The only significant exceptions are Coastal
communities south of Carmel Highlands, and scattered communities within the southern
Salinas Valley.
The southern coastal area is served by the Mid-Coast Volunteer Fire Company and the Big Sur
Volunteer Fire Brigade. These two volunteer organizations have been protecting the area, along
with Federal and State firefighters, since the 1970s. There are no known disadvantaged
unincorporated communities in this area or served by these volunteer companies. The areas
served by these volunteer fire organizations are also not contiguous with any city. The Big Sur
VFB is not contiguous with any special district providing fire protection service, or their
Spheres of Influence. The Mid-Coast VFC is contiguous with the Monterey County Regional
FPD in one small inland area.
The southern Salinas Valley, south of King City, includes the small communities of Bradley,
Jolon, Lockwood, Parkfield, San Ardo, and San Lucas. The South Monterey County FPD
currently includes two of these communities within its boundaries and a part of a third. All but
one of these communities is within the District’s Sphere of Influence. The South Monterey
County FPD is also exploring the submission of an application to LAFCO requesting the
annexation to the District of areas within its Sphere of Influence.
San Lucas (population 269) is approximately eight miles southeast of King City. It is
within the Sphere of Influence of the South Monterey County FPD, and a portion of the
community was annexed into the District in 2006. The annexation of this vacant land
was proposed and approved to help facilitate the construction of an affordable housing
complex by the nonprofit housing developer, CHISPA. The development of this land is
pending the resolution of water quality issues.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 17
CHAPTER ONE: MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW DETERMINATIONS
San Ardo (population 517) is approximately 18 miles southeast of King City. The
unincorporated community is within the District’s Sphere of Influence, and is
approximately one mile east of the District boundaries. The community is currently
protected by a volunteer fire company.
Bradley (population 93) is located approximately 12 miles south-southeast of San Ardo
and is located within the South Monterey County FPD boundaries.
Parkfield is located approximately 18 miles east of Bradley and lies within the District’s
Sphere of Influence. The community’s population is 18 according to the highway sign at
the community’s edge.
Jolon is an unincorporated community 17 miles south of King City. It is neither within,
nor contiguous with, the District, or its Sphere of Influence. As it is located within Fort
Hunter-Leggett, it is protected by Federal firefighters. The population of the zip code
which includes Jolon, an area much larger than the community itself, includes 506 people
according to the U. S. Census.
Lockwood (population 379) is located approximately 6 miles east southeast of Jolon and
lies within the Fire Protection District’s boundaries.
Four of these six communities are census designated places (CDPs): Bradley, Lockwood, San
Ardo, and San Lucas. Because the 2010 U. S. Census lists the median household income for all
four of the CDPs as above 80% of the California median household income, none of these
communities meet the definition of a disadvantaged unincorporated community.8 The only
three CDPs in Monterey County with incomes below 80% of the statewide median income are
Boronda, Castroville, and Pajaro. Boronda is within the boundaries of the Monterey County
Regional FPD, and Castroville and Pajaro are both within the North County FPD.
3. PRESENT AND PLANNED CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ADEQUACY OF
PUBLIC SERVICES, AND INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OR DEFICIENCIES
Most of the residents of Monterey County are currently within the boundaries of a city or
special district providing fire protection service. Most of the smaller communities that are not
officially within a fire protection district’s boundaries are protected by volunteer fire companies
(Big Sur, Palo Colorado, San Ardo), are within the State Responsibility Area (Parkfield), or are
planned for future district expansion (Parkfield, San Lucas).
Each district providing fire protection and emergency medical services in the County provides
public facilities and equipment as allowed by their financial means (see Determination 4,
below). The fourteen special districts reviewed in this report maintain a total of 20 fire stations,
which the districts describe as ranging from poor to excellent condition. Additional fire
8 Government Code section 56033.5.
18 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER ONE: MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW DETERMINATIONS
protection is provided through city, State, Federal, and volunteer firefighting agencies. Several
districts plan to construct new stations, but are awaiting annexations, population growth, or
increased funding before they can start construction. All agencies also maintain and replace fire
apparatus as needed. An outline of the present and planned capacity of public facilities and the
adequacy of public infrastructure needs and deficiencies for each district is found in Chapter
Three.
The agencies maintain different response standards. Rural districts typically have longer
response times. These are necessitated by the long distance a fire truck needs to travel to
respond to calls and the condition of the roads traveled.
Fire protection districts develop and adopt strategic plans to guide their activities and decisions.
The best of these plans include schedules for the replacement of vehicles and a projection of
future financial needs and resources.
Most emergency calls are received by the County’s Consolidated Emergency Fire Dispatch
Center. This 911 center transfers calls to the ambulance provider or the local agency providing
emergency services. Fire calls to agencies staffed by CAL FIRE, and districts contracting with
CAL FIRE specifically for dispatch services, are transferred to CAL FIRE’s Emergency
Command Center.
County Service Area 74 (Emergency Medical Services) provides funding for first responders and
the County Emergency Medical Services Agency. The County EMS Agency contracts for, and
monitors, ambulance service throughout the County. This service is provided by American
Medical Response West (AMR), except in the Carmel Valley area where it is provided by the
Monterey County Regional FPD and in Carmel-by-the-Sea where it is provided by the City.
4. FINANCIAL ABILITY OF AGENCY TO PROVIDE SERVICES
The demands on a fire protection agency vary due to the size and geography of the agency’s
boundaries, the area’s employment base, the presence of students and tourists, the existence and
length of local highways, whether the area is included within CAL FIRE’s State Responsibility
Area, and other factors. These factors help dictate the amount of money required to provide an
adequate level of service.
While a district’s budget may expand due to increased service demands, the size of a budget is
closely related to the availability of funds. The financial ability of fire protection and emergency
medical service providers has eroded in recent years due to the national economic downturn.
This downturn has hurt some agencies more than others. As outlined in Chapter Three,
districts providing fire protection service within Monterey County experience a wide range of
revenue. Local fire protection districts receive between $2,070 and $33 per resident. The
amount of revenue received by a firefighting agency is often determined by factors over which
district residents have no control: assessed valuation, the date of a district’s formation and past
taxation levels, land development and property sales within the agency’s boundaries, and, for a
city or multi-service district, the competition for scarce resources among local government
programs. Local residents do have the ability to propose and approve tax measures to increase
LAFCO
of Monterey County 19
CHAPTER ONE: MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW DETERMINATIONS
local services, although the current state of the economy makes the passage of tax measures
increasingly difficult.
When a district annexes an area, the Property Tax Transfer Agreement with the County
typically disallows the annexing district from sharing in revenues from the 1% County property
tax within the annexation area: the district only shares in taxes on increases in assessed value.
On the other hand, when an area is detached from a district, through a city annexation, the
district no longer receives any taxes from this property. LAFCO has taken steps on recent years
to mitigate negative fiscal or service impacts resulting from special district detachments. An
example of this occurred with an annexation to the City of Salinas and concurrent detachment
from the Monterey County Regional FPD. In this instance, specific fiscal mitigations were
included in the Tax Transfer Agreement to ensure a continuing share of property taxes for the
Monterey County Regional FPD.
LAFCO will also take steps to ensure that the Greenfield Fire Protection District is not
negatively impacted by future annexations and development within the City of Greenfield.
Although annexation to the City of Greenfield does not trigger detachment from the District,
the new District revenues may not be adequate to cover the District’s additional expenses.
The safety net for a local district is its fund balance. According to the most recent information
available to LAFCO, the fund balance of the ten fire protection districts ranges from $3,954 to
$6,792,067. On the low end of this range are the Gonzales and Mission Soledad Rural FPDs,
whose arrangements with city fire departments preclude the need for a large district fund
balance. Because a large fund balance is more crucial for a district with a large budget than one
with a small budget, one important statistic is the ratio of an agency’s fund balance to its annual
revenues. The highest fund balance/annual revenues ratios are experienced in the South
Monterey County (188%) and Cypress (174%) FPDs. Following these are the Carmel Highlands
(114%), Aromas Tri-County (55%), Monterey County Regional (39%), and North County (33%)
FPDs. Excluding the Gonzales and Mission Soledad Rural FPDs, the district with the lowest
ratio of fund balance/annual revenues is the Greenfield FPD. The latest biennial audit available
for the Greenfield FPD, through June 2009, shows that its fund balance/annual revenues ratio is
19%. More recent information from the District indicates that the fund balance currently
approximates zero.
Districts with lower budgets tend to rely heavily on volunteer firefighters. A strong volunteer
force allows a district to provide a much higher level of service on the same budget, because
salaries and benefits can exceed 80% of a district’s budget. Mutual aid agreements also allow
neighboring fire agencies to effectively share resources and to assist one another when an
emergency occurs.
Districts with lower revenues strive to provide the highest possible level of service with fewer
resources. They must sometimes rely on older, and fewer, fire engines. They staff engines with a
maximum of two firefighters, and if necessary get by with one.
Fire protection and EMS agencies, and all local agencies, are affected by the current scarcity of
local government revenues. Most recently the statewide dissolution of redevelopment agencies
20 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER ONE: MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW DETERMINATIONS
presents an additional challenge. This challenge is particularly critical for city fire departments
that must compete for funds with other municipal services. For at least one local district, the
end of redevelopment may affect the availability of tax-increment funding for a planned fire
station in a newly developing area.
Each district providing fire protection and emergency medical services maintains a schedule for
conducting audits of agency revenues and expenditures. County Service Area 74 (Emergency
Medical Services) is audited as part of the County’s comprehensive annual financial report.
Nine other special districts conduct annual audits, while four – Greenfield, Mission Soledad
Rural, and South Monterey County FPDs - conduct audits every two years. The Gonzales Rural
FPD has been granted approval to conduct audits every five years because of the simplicity and
small size of its budget.
State law9 requires that a district file an audit with the State Controller and County Auditor
within 12 months of the end of the fiscal year or years under examination. All of the districts
providing fire protection and emergency medical services, except for two, have provided LAFCO
with the most recent audit as required by State law. The most recent annual audit approved by
the Cachagua Fire Protection District was for the year ending in June 2007, although LAFCO
has received a preliminary draft audit for the year ending in June 2009. The most recent audit
provided by the Spreckels Community Services District was for the year ending in June 2009.
5. STATUS OF, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR, SHARED FACILITIES
Firefighters are often on the forefront of forging cooperative efforts between local agencies. All
local fire protection agencies participate in the State mutual aid plan. This plan is an extension
of, and supportive of, the California Emergency Plan. Participation in this plan binds fire
protection agencies to furnish resources and facilities and to render services to others to prevent
and combat any type of disaster or emergency. Through this plan, local firefighters travel
throughout the State when called during the fire season. It is also through this plan that
firefighters throughout the State have traveled to assist in fighting the Basin Complex Fire, and
other significant Monterey County fires that are beyond local resources.
Individual local agencies have also agreed to a number of local mutual aid and automatic aid
agreements with neighboring agencies. While a mutual aid agreement requires assistance when
called, an automatic aid agreement obliges a neighboring firefighting agency to immediately and
automatically respond to specific calls.
The Federal government owns large tracts of land – primarily forest and military lands – where
it is primarily responsible for firefighting. The State government, through the Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is primarily responsible for the control of wildland
fires in the County. These Federal and State firefighters cooperate with local fire agencies to
protect the community. An example of this cooperation is the sharing of fire stations to house
both CAL FIRE and local firefighting resources.
9 Government Code section 26909(a)(2).
LAFCO
of Monterey County 21
CHAPTER ONE: MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW DETERMINATIONS
For many years, CAL FIRE has provided contractual firefighting services to five special districts:
the Aromas Tri-County FPD, the Carmel Highlands FPD, the Cypress FPD, the Pebble Beach
CSD, and the South Monterey County FPD. In mid-2011 the City of Soledad agreed to a contract
with CAL FIRE to provide services within the City and the Mission Soledad Rural Fire
Protection District. All of the agencies served by CAL FIRE’s San Benito - Monterey Unit
benefit through cost efficiencies derived through shared management services, and frequently
shared fire stations and apparatus. Other local agencies are also meeting with CAL FIRE to
discuss possible contractual services.
Several cities on the Monterey Peninsula have joined together to provide fire protection and
emergency medical services. The Cities of Del Rey Oaks and Sand City have long been
contractually served by the fire departments of neighboring cities. Del Rey Oaks presently
receives service from the City of Monterey Fire Department and Del Rey Oaks contracts with
the City of Seaside. The Cities of Pacific Grove and Carmel-by-the Sea use the services of the
City of Monterey Fire Department. The City of Monterey also provides services to the U. S.
Army’s Presidio of Monterey and the Navy’s Postgraduate School and La Mesa Village areas.
In the Salinas Valley, cities and their surrounding rural areas often join together to provide fire
protection. The Gonzales and Mission Soledad Rural Fire Protection Districts receive fire
protection service from the cities they surround. The City of Greenfield is located within the
boundaries of the Greenfield Fire Protection District and receives all fire protection service from
that District.
In the last 20 years there have been a number of mergers of fire protection districts in the
County. The Castroville and Pajaro Township FPDs merged into the North County FPD. The
Carmel Valley, Chualar Rural, Mid-Valley, and Salinas Rural FPDs merged over a period of years
to become the Monterey County Regional FPD. County Service Areas 39 and 43 merged to
become the Cypress FPD.
Some districts have formed, or expanded their powers, to support local volunteer firefighting
companies. This occurred when the Spreckels Community Services District began supporting
fire protection in 1991 and when the Cachagua and South Monterey County FPDs were formed
in 1993 and 1997.
Local firefighting agencies participate in a large number of other shared resources including fire
insurance, workers compensation, the joint purchasing of equipment, fire training, mobile air
support, urban search and rescue, and technical rescue.
6. ACCOUNTABILITY FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE NEEDS, INCLUDING GOVERNMENT
STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES
Monterey County is served by a web of agencies providing fire protection and emergency
medical services. This Municipal Service Review primarily looks at the fourteen special districts
– ten fire protection districts, two community services districts, one airport district, and one
County service area - providing these services. Services are also provided by eleven of the
County’s twelve cities, five volunteer firefighting organizations, and branches of the State and
22 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER ONE: MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW DETERMINATIONS
Federal governments. These organizations are bound together through the State’s mutual aid
system and agreements between neighboring agencies to provide mutual and automatic aid.
These agreements and the natural impulse of first responders to provide service where and when
it is needed help make the system work.
Six of the fire protection districts, both community services districts, and the airport district are
governed by directors who are elected at-large by voters. While some districts have contested
elections, others routinely only have the same number of candidates as open seats or lack a full
slate. If the number of candidates does not exceed the number of available seats, an election is
avoided and the Monterey County Board of Supervisors appoints the Directors.
The boards of directors of four fire protection districts - the Carmel Highlands, Mission Soledad,
Monterey County Regional, and South Monterey County FPDs - are directly appointed by the
County Board of Supervisors. While these districts may receive less direct input from voters,
they are able to save money by not paying for regularly scheduled elections. When the Monterey
County Regional FPD absorbed the Carmel Valley FPD in 2011, it was estimated that the
District would save at least $80,000 for each election that is not required. The District
administration has stated that these monies could better be spent on direct fire protection
service.
County Service Area 74 (Emergency Medical Services) is a dependent special district governed
directly by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. The five County supervisors are elected
from geographic districts for four-year terms.
Of the fourteen special districts providing fire protection and emergency medical services, eight
maintain websites listing information about the Board of Directors and postings of upcoming
Board meeting agendas. These districts include the Monterey Peninsula Airport District, the
Pebble Beach Community Services District, and the Aromas Tri-County, Carmel Highlands,
Cypress, Monterey County Regional, and North County Fire Protection Districts. Also included
on this list is County Service Area 74, where governance information is included on the County
website and additional information on advisory committees and EMS trainings is contained on
the County’s Emergency Medical Services Agency website.
While all of these websites contain agendas of upcoming meetings, the websites for the
Monterey Peninsula Airport District, North County FPD, Pebble Beach CSD, and the County of
Monterey (for CSA 74) also contain minutes and packets of Board staff reports. These same
websites also contain a wide range of useful organizational information, including District
budgets, audits, and plans.
Four districts do not maintain websites, although information on firefighting activities within
the District can be found on related websites. These related websites are maintained by cities or
volunteer fire companies that partner with the district. While these websites contain list
information, none contain information on District Board Members or Board meetings. The
districts, and the organizations that maintain related websites, are:
Cachagua FPD: Cachagua Volunteer Firefighters
Gonzales Rural FPD: City of Gonzales and Gonzales Volunteer Fire Department
LAFCO
of Monterey County 23
CHAPTER ONE: MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW DETERMINATIONS
Mission Soledad Rural FPD: City of Soledad
Spreckels CSD: Spreckels Volunteer Fire Company
The specific websites for each district, or related organization, are listed in Chapter Three. The
Greenfield and South Monterey County Fire Protection Districts neither maintain websites nor
do affiliated organizations post District firefighting information.
All districts are encouraged to establish websites if they do not now have them, and to maintain
up-to-date websites which include, at a minimum, a listing of district directors and their terms,
announcements of upcoming meetings, meeting agendas and minutes, annual budgets,
performance data, and current audits. This information is needed to promote transparency and
accountability, as well as allowing public oversight of district activities.
Consistent with the public notice requirements of California’s Brown Act, public agendas must
be posted by all public agencies at a public location a minimum of 72 hours prior to the meeting.
State law also requires that agendas be posted on the agency website, if one exists. All districts
must also allow the opportunity for members of the public to directly address the legislative
body on any item of interest to the public at every regular meeting.
7. ANY OTHER MATTER RELATED TO EFFECTIVE OR EFFICIENT SERVICE DELIVERY,
AS REQUIRED BY COMMISSION POLICY
The Local Agency Formation Commission of Monterey County has adopted Sphere of Influence
Policies and Criteria within its Policies and Procedures Relating to Spheres of Influence and Changes of
Organization and Reorganization. These policies and criteria were adopted, in conformance to State
law, to meet local needs.
These policies stipulate that the designation of Spheres of Influence shall avoid the creation of
islands and corridors. The proposed amendments to the Spheres of Influence of the Carmel
Highlands and Cypress Fire Protection Districts are consistent with this policy. They are
specifically designed to eliminate existing islands of land that have been excluded from the
Sphere of a local fire protection agency.
The proposed affirmations and amendments to the Spheres of Influence of fire protection
districts are consistent with local policies and criteria.
24 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER TWO: SPHERE OF INFLUENCE DETERMINATIONS
AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Scope
This chapter provides recommended Sphere of Influence determinations for County Service Area
74 (Emergency Medical Services) and the County’s ten fire protection districts (Aromas Tri-
County, Cachagua, Carmel Highlands, Cypress, Gonzales, Greenfield, Mission Soledad Rural,
Monterey County Regional, North County, and South Monterey County). This chapter does
not include recommended determinations for the Pebble Beach or Spreckels Community
Services Districts or the Monterey Peninsula Airport District. The current report addresses the
fire protection and emergency medical services provided by these three multi-service districts.
It discusses, but does not update, the Spheres of Influence of these districts. Sphere updates will
be provided together with future reviews of all of the services provided by the multi-service
districts.
B. Summary of Recommendations
Based on the recommended determinations in this chapter, the Executive Officer recommends
that the Commission:
1. Affirm the currently adopted Spheres of Influence of the Aromas Tri-County, Cachagua,
Gonzales Rural, Greenfield, Mission Soledad Rural, Monterey County Regional, and
South Monterey County Fire Protection Districts, and County Service Area 74
(Emergency Medical Services) as shown on Map ES-1 (page 2);
2. Affirm the currently adopted Sphere of Influence of the North County Fire Protection
District, and designate a Future Study Area for possible expansion of the Sphere, as shown
on the map on page 32, and
3. Amend the Spheres of Influence of the Carmel Highlands and Cypress Fire Protection
Districts to include adjacent areas not currently within the boundaries of a fire
protection agency, as shown on the maps on pages 33 and 34.
C. Overview
The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act states that in determining the Sphere of Influence of each
local agency, LAFCO shall consider and prepare a written statement of its determinations with
respect to four areas10:
10 These determinations are contained in Government Code section 56425(e). The consideration and preparation of
a fifth determination is required for Sphere of Influence updates that occur on or after July 1, 2012. This fifth
LAFCO
of Monterey County 25
CHAPTER TWO: SPHERE OF INFLUENCE DETERMINATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The Present and Planned Land Uses in the Area, including Agricultural and Open-Space
Lands;
2. The Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services in the Area;
3. The Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services that the
Agency Provides or is Authorized to Provide, and
4. The Existence of Any Social or Economic Communities of Interest in the Area if the
Commission determines that they are Relevant to the Agency.
This chapter contains recommended Sphere of Influence determinations for the County’s ten fire
protection districts and County Service Area 74 (Emergency Medical Services). Each of the four
recommended determinations applies to all eleven districts as a group.
The Executive Officer has found the Spheres of Influence of seven fire protection districts and
County Service Area 74 (Emergency Medical Services) to be appropriate to meet the needs of
district residents. This chapter, therefore, includes the Executive Officer’s recommendation to
affirm the currently adopted Spheres of Influence, without change, of County Service Area 74
and the following fire protection districts: Aromas Tri-County, Cachagua, Gonzales Rural,
Greenfield, Mission Soledad Rural, Monterey County Regional, and South Monterey County.
In this chapter, the Executive Officer proposes the affirmation of the currently adopted Sphere
of Influence of the North County Fire Protection District, along with the designation of a Future
Study Area for the District. Further study would be required prior to including this area in the
District’s Sphere of Influence. The District supports this study. A map of the North County Fire
Protection District, and the proposed Future Study Area, is on page 32.
The Executive Officer also outlines the need for, and proposes amendments to, the Spheres of
Influence of the Carmel Highlands and Cypress Fire Protection Districts. These amendments
would expand the Spheres of Influence of both Districts to include adjacent parcels which
currently need fire protection and emergency medical services or which may need these services
in the future. The Districts agree with this recommendation. These Sphere expansions would
be a step toward ensuring that the fire protection and emergency medical service needs of all
County residents and property owners are met. If these amendments are adopted by LAFCO, a
proposal by the Districts to annex all or a portion of the expanded Spheres is anticipated. Maps
of the proposed Sphere of Influence amendments to the Carmel Highlands and Cypress Fire
Protection Districts are at the end of this chapter on pages 33 and 34.
Only two of the fire protection districts currently have Spheres of Influence beyond district
boundaries. The Carmel Highlands FPD Sphere includes the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
and other primarily open space lands. The South Monterey County FPD Sphere of Influence
extends to the Fresno and Kings County lines on the east and into the Bryson-Hesperia area
along the San Luis Obispo County line. This Sphere includes an estimated 870 square miles
beyond District boundaries. Maps of all of the districts providing fire protection and emergency
medical services are included in Chapter Three.
determination relates to the present and probable need for public facilities and services of any disadvantaged
unincorporated communities within the existing Spheres of Influence of those local agencies subject to the update.
26 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER TWO: SPHERE OF INFLUENCE DETERMINATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
D. Determinations
1. THE PRESENT AND PLANNED LAND USES IN THE AREA, INCLUDING
AGRICULTURAL AND OPEN-SPACE LANDS
Firefighters in Monterey County face a variety of challenges due to a variety of land uses and
topographies. The present and planned land uses of the County are guided by the general plans
of the County and the twelve cities within the County.
As one of the largest counties in the State of California, Monterey County covers more than
3,300 square miles and is comprised of diverse natural habitats and residential communities.
The twelve incorporated cities comprise 75% of the County population and about 2% of the
total land area. Five of these cities are located within the Salinas Valley, one of the richest
agricultural regions in the world. These are the cities of Gonzales, Greenfield, King City,
Salinas, and Soledad. Seven cities are clustered around the Monterey Peninsula: Carmel-by-the-
Sea, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Sand City, and Seaside.
In additional to the strong agricultural economies of the Salinas and Pajaro Valleys, the
Monterey Peninsula is a center of tourism along the Central Coast. Historically, the economy
has also been strengthened by a strong military presence with Fort Ord, the Presidio of
Monterey, and the Naval Postgraduate School along the coast and Fort Hunter Liggett and
Camp Roberts in the southern Salinas Valley. Base closures have reduced the military presence
and generated reuse of major portions of the former Fort Ord.
In general, Monterey County’s fire protection agencies have adequate Spheres of Influence and
boundaries. All residents living within Monterey County’s cities, and approximately 95% of
unincorporated County residents, are within the boundaries of a local agency providing fire
protection service. All County residents reside within the boundaries of County Service Area
74, which supports emergency medical services countywide. Large geographic areas within the
County that are not now within local agency’s fire protection boundaries are within a Federal or
State Responsibility Area. CAL FIRE and the Federal government take primary responsibility
for protecting these areas from wildfires.
The Executive Officer recommends amendments to the Spheres of Influence of two districts that
provide fire protection and emergency medical services. This recommendation would allow the
Carmel Highlands and Cypress FPDs to expand into adjacent properties that are not now
within the boundaries of a fire protection agency. The Executive Officer also recommends the
designation of a “Future Study Area” for the North County FPD. This designation indicates that
this area may warrant inclusion in the District’s Sphere in future years following additional
study. Below is a description of the land uses in the proposed Spheres of Influence and Future
Study Area, and the proposed Sphere expansion areas, of these three districts.
Carmel Highlands Fire Protection District: This District currently has a LAFCO-adopted
Sphere of Influence which includes the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and additional State
Parks lands east of Highway 1. The proposed Sphere of Influence amendment would expand the
District’s Sphere by approximately 1,100 acres. This proposed expansion area, which is generally
LAFCO
of Monterey County 27
CHAPTER TWO: SPHERE OF INFLUENCE DETERMINATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
undeveloped, contains publicly and privately owned lands to the east of the District’s existing
boundaries. This land is designated on the County zoning map for “Watershed and Scenic
Conservation,” with a minimum parcel size of either 40 or 80 acres. While little urban growth is
anticipated in this proposed addition to the District’s Sphere of Influence, it would fill a gap
between the boundaries of the Cypress and Monterey County Regional FPDs. A proposal from
the District to annex this area is anticipated.
A map of the Carmel Highlands Fire Protection District boundaries and the proposed Sphere of
Influence amendment is at the end of the chapter on page 33.
Cypress Fire Protection District: When the District was formed in 1993 it was given a “zero
Sphere of Influence.” This designation was consistent with the then current plans that the
District should eventually merge with another fire protection service provider. As outlined in
the profile for the Cypress District in Chapter Three, the District is financially and operationally
viable. The District also works cooperatively and closely with the Carmel Highlands FPD and
the Pebble Beach Community Services District, the three Monterey Peninsula fire agencies
operated by CAL FIRE. There is no longer a need for Cypress to formally merge with another
provider. For these reasons, the Executive Officer proposes an amendment to the Sphere of
Influence to include the existing District boundaries.
The Executive Officer proposes that the Cypress FPD Sphere of Influence, as shown in the map
following this chapter (page 34), be expanded to include several parcels that are either
surrounded by, or adjacent to, the existing District boundaries. The additions to the District’s
Sphere of Influence would allow all surrounding areas to be included within a fire protection
district’s Sphere of Influence. The Cypress FPD’s boundaries today contain many acres of land
within the Spheres of Influence of the City of Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. The proposed
expanded Sphere of Influence would include additional parcels within the existing Spheres of
Influence of the Cities of Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. If a city were to propose annexation
of an area after it had already been annexed to a fire protection district, the area would be
processed for detachment from the district concurrently with its annexation to the city.
The areas proposed for inclusion within the Sphere of Influence of the Cypress FPD are:
Affordable Housing Overlay Parcel near Highway 68 (APN 103-071-024): This
undeveloped 15± acre parcel contains a County general plan affordable housing overlay
designation. The purpose of this overlay is to encourage higher housing densities and the
development of affordable housing. Contiguous parcels are also designated with this
overlay; all of the other parcels in this overlay are currently within the boundaries of a
fire protection district.11 The entire overlay district is within the City of Monterey’s
existing Sphere of Influence.
Hatton Canyon: CALTRANS had purchased this land to construct a bypass around a
congested portion of Highway 1, but transferred the land to State Parks in 2003 for
parkland use. The southern portion of the Hatton Canyon parkland is currently within
11 Parcels to the west of APN 13-071-024 are within the boundaries of the Cypress FPD, those to the east – across
Olmstead Road – are within the Monterey County Regional FPD.
28 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER TWO: SPHERE OF INFLUENCE DETERMINATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
District boundaries. The northern extension of this land (approximately 102 acres) is
proposed for inclusion within the District’s Sphere of Influence. Most of this parkland is
sandwiched between existing portions of the District.
Jacks Peak County Park (APN 103-071-013): The County Parks Department has
requested that this 470± acre day-use park and preserve be included within a fire
protection district’s boundaries. Contiguous County-owned parkland immediately
south of the park is already within the boundaries of the Cypress FPD.
Parcels North of Jacks Peak Park: This area of approximately 800 acres is primarily
undeveloped and is zoned for rural density housing by the County. One parcel of
approximately 19 acres contains existing homes. This area is located within the Sphere
of Influence of the City of Monterey.
Carmel River Mouth: These parcels, along the mouth of the Carmel River, primarily
contain open space and resource-dependent uses. Property owners in this 400± acre area
include the State of California, the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Catholic Church, the
Carmel Area Wastewater District, and the Big Sur Land Trust. Two heavily used parcels
within this area are the Carmel Area Wastewater District’s wastewater treatment plant
and the Mission Ranch Hotel and Restaurant. These two parcels, and several others
within this area, are within the existing Sphere of Influence of the City of Carmel-by-
the-Sea.
Rancho Cañada: This existing golf club contains approximately 222 acres. The land was
recently proposed for residential development.
The Property Reserve Parcel (APN 015-016-022): This substantially undeveloped 570±
acre parcel is zoned by the County for low and rural density housing. It is currently
surrounded by the Fire Protection District’s boundaries. It has sometimes been referred
to as the “Swim Ranch” property.
If these areas are added to the District’s Sphere of Influence, the District will begin preparation
of an annexation proposal. A map of the Cypress Fire Protection District boundaries and the
proposed Sphere of Influence is at the end of this chapter on page 34.
North County Fire Protection District: The North County Fire Protection District currently
has no Sphere of Influence beyond its boundaries. The Executive Officer recommends
designating a 2,500± acre area north of Marina as a Future Study Area for possible future
inclusion in the Districts Sphere in future years following additional study. This island is the
only area adjacent to the District that is outside the boundaries of a fire protection agency. The
island area is totally surrounded by the North County FPD, the City of Marina, and, to a minor
extent, the Monterey County Regional FPD. This island contains most of the landfill disposal
and material recovery facilities of the Monterey Regional Waste Management District. A small
portion of this property is already within the boundaries of the North County FPD. The island
also contains the regional wastewater treatment plant of the Monterey Regional Water
Pollution Control Agency. The remainder of the island is undeveloped, agricultural or grazing
LAFCO
of Monterey County 29
CHAPTER TWO: SPHERE OF INFLUENCE DETERMINATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
land. Most of the island is within the Sphere of Influence of the City of Marina, but the landfill
and wastewater treatment plant properties are outside of the City’s Sphere. The entire island is
outside the City’s voter approved Urban Growth Boundary which limits growth and new
development, along with required community services, until 2020.
This designation is consistent with local LAFCO policy which states that “Sphere of Influence
boundaries shall not create islands or corridors unless it can be demonstrated that the irregular
boundaries represent the most logical and orderly service area of an agency12.”
2. THE PRESENT AND PROBABLE NEED FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES IN
THE AREA
All local fire protection and emergency medical service agencies plan to meet current and future
needs through annual budgets and maintenance schedules. Some districts have adopted
detailed strategic plans that pinpoint future actions required to meet community needs. The
need for adequate future funding, staffing, equipment and facilities is great where significant
residential or commercial growth is anticipated. Much of the urban growth anticipated in
Monterey County in coming decades will occur within city boundaries. A number of fire
protection districts also anticipate substantial growth. As outlined in Chapters One and Three,
the local districts anticipating the most population growth are the North County, Monterey
County Regional, and Greenfield FPDs. Even without growth, present needs are significant
throughout the County.
The Executive Officer recommends that LAFCO affirm the current Spheres of Influence for
County Service Area 74 (Emergency Medical Services) and seven of the ten fire protection
districts without change. Of these, only the South County FPD has a current Sphere of
Influence beyond its District boundaries. This District is currently considering a request to
annex lands within the Sphere.
The Executive Officer also recommends the affirmation of the existing Sphere of Influence of the
North County Fire Protection District, along with the designation of a Future Study Area for
possible expansion of the Sphere.
The Sphere of Influence expansions proposed for the Carmel Highlands and Cypress FPDs will
not add significant firefighting demands on existing District services. These two Districts plan
annexations within the expanded Spheres in the next year, and are adequately funded and
staffed to meet anticipated future demands within these potential annexation areas.
3. THE PRESENT CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC
SERVICES THAT THE AGENCY PROVIDES OR IS AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE
The present and probable need for public facilities and services varies for each local public
agency providing fire protection service. As outlined in Chapters One and Three, the level of
12 Policies and Procedures Relating to Spheres of Influence and Changes of Organization and Reorganization, Policy
C.II.6.
30 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER TWO: SPHERE OF INFLUENCE DETERMINATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
service provided by each fire protection district varies according to the service area’s needs and
available revenues. The existence of mutual and automatic aid agreements allow neighboring
agencies to assist each other in meeting regional needs. The dual response from both a fire
truck and an ambulance also helps to ensure adequate response to medical emergencies, which
are the majority of calls forwarded to fire protection agencies through County emergency
communications.
As outlined in Chapter Three, the Cypress and Carmel Highlands FPDs have adequate revenues,
equipment, and facilities. These districts maintain fund balances that are available to meet
unexpected demands. The Executive Officer proposes an expansion of the Spheres of Influence
of these two Districts. Both Districts have the financial and organizational resources needed to
provide services to these areas.
4. THE EXISTENCE OF ANY SOCIAL OR ECONOMIC COMMUNITIES OF INTEREST IN
THE AREA IF THE COMMISSION DETERMINES THAT THEY ARE RELEVANT TO
THE AGENCY
For purposes of this review, a relevant “community of interest” is any group or entity in an
unincorporated area that shares common social or economic interests with an area served by a
fire protection or emergency medical services district, and that could be potentially annexed to
that district or added to that district’s Sphere of Influence.
Several small communities within the Sphere of Influence of the South County FPD appear
appropriate for future annexation. These include Parkfield and San Lucas. The San Ardo
Volunteer Fire Company is also in discussions with the District concerning possible annexation.
The District is preparing an annexation proposal to submit to LAFCO within the next year.
Some areas are not within the boundaries of a fire protection district. These rural areas are
generally within the State or Federal Responsibility Area for wildfire protection. While
expansion of the Spheres of Interest and boundaries of agencies to cover all portions of the
County may have some advantages, there appears to be little need or impetus for this expansion.
CAL FIRE provides wildland fire protection and firefighting personnel from local agencies
frequently will respond to all fire and other emergency situations regardless of agency
boundaries. Vast stretches of Federal open space and military lands are protected by Federal
firefighters.
County Service Area 74 (Emergency Medical Services) provides services throughout the County,
and serves all County residents, as its boundaries are the same as those of Monterey County.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 31
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Pajaro SAN JUAN RD
Aromas
×Ñ
NORTH COUNTY FPD×Ñ Las Lomas
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NORTH COUNTY FPD
NORTH COUNTY FPD 17639 PESANTE RD
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MARINA SALINAS
×Ñ ×Ñ District Boundary
Future Study Area
×Ñ
Note: Sphere of Influence and District
boundary are the same.
SEASIDE
LAFCO of Monterey County Ü PROPOSED FUTURE STUDY AREA
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
×Ñ NORTH COUNTY
FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
0 1 2 3
P.O. Box 1369 132 W. Gabilan St., Suite 102 2012 Municipal Services
Salinas, CA 93902 Salinas, CA 93901
Telephone (831) 754-5838 FAX (831) 754-5831 Miles Map Produced on 3/9/12
32 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
R
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District Fire Station
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District Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Proposed Sphere of Influence Amendment
LAFCO of Monterey County Ü FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
CARMEL HIGHLANDS
FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
0 1
P.O. Box 1369 132 W. Gabilan St., Suite 102 2012 Municipal Services Review
S Te a l l e in p a h s o , n C e A ( 8 9 3 3 1 9 ) 0 7 2 54-5838 FA S X a li ( n 8 a 3 s 1 , ) C 7 A 54 9 -5 3 8 9 3 0 1 1 Miles Map Produced on 12/19/2011
FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE 33
×Ñ
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District Boundary
Proposed Sphere of Influence
(to include District boundary)
×Ñ
LAFCO of Monterey County Ü FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
CYPRESS
FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
0 1
P.O. Box 1369 132 W. Gabilan St., Suite 102 2012 Municipal Services Review
S Te a l l e in p a h s o , n C e A ( 8 9 3 3 1 9 ) 0 7 2 54-5838 FA S X a li ( n 8 a 3 s 1 , ) C 7 A 54 9 -5 39 8 0 31 1 Miles Map Produced: 12/19/2011
34 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: DISTRICT PROFILES
This chapter contains a review of each of the fourteen special districts within Monterey County
that provide fire protection and pre-hospital emergency medical services. These Districts are:
A. Aromas Tri-County Fire Protection District;
B. Cachagua Fire Protection District;
C. Carmel Highlands Fire Protection District;
D. Cypress Fire Protection District;
E. Gonzales Rural Fire Protection District;
F. Greenfield Fire Protection District;
G. Mission Soledad Rural Fire Protection District;
H. Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District;
I. Monterey Peninsula Airport District;
J. North County Fire Protection District;
K. Pebble Beach Community Services District;
L. South Monterey County Fire Protection District;
M. Spreckels Community Services District, and
N. County Service Area 74 (Emergency Medical Services).
Each district profile contains a summary, background information, and data on district
operations and boundaries. Most profiles include tables and charts outlining district formation
and duties, revenues, attributes, types of service, stations, apparatus, and calls for service. A
map of the district Sphere of Influence and boundaries13 is included within each district’s profile.
13 The profile of the Monterey Peninsula Airport District contains a map of the Monterey Regional Airport property.
The Airport District is responsible for fire protection and emergency medical services only on the airport property.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 35
CHAPTER THREE: DISTRICT PROFILES
[This page left blank intentionally.]
36 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
A. Aromas Tri-County Fire Protection District
Administrative Office: 2221 Garden Road, Monterey, CA 93940 (CAL FIRE)
Phone: 831/333-2600
Fax: 831/333-2660
Email: Rick.Hutchinson@fire.ca.gov
Website: www.atcfire.org
Unit Fire Chief: Richard C. Hutchinson, Jr.
SUMMARY
The Aromas Tri-County Fire Protection District provides fire protection and emergency
medical services to approximately 5,500 people throughout forty square miles in the northeast
corner of Monterey County and adjacent areas of San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties. The
District provides services through a contract with the California Department of Forestry and
Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), and is exploring the possibility of a geographic expansion and the
construction of a second fire station within San Benito County. The District’s Monterey County
boundary is the same as its Sphere of Influence and there are no proposals for expansion. The
District receives financial support at a rate of approximately $225 per resident and maintains a
fund balance to meet future needs. The District has financial procedures in place to ensure the
preparation of timely agency audits. The District has an ISO Public Protection Classification of
5 within five road miles of a fire station where there is a credible water source for fighting fires.
BACKGROUND
The Aromas Tri-County Fire Protection District was formed in 1952 with an all-volunteer
firefighting staff. In 1962, the District first hired a part time chief and began moving to a force
composed solely of full time paid firefighters. In 1993, the District determined that services
could better be provided by contracting for cooperative fire protection with CAL FIRE.
Through this arrangement, CAL FIRE provides management and personnel services to the
Aromas community.
The Aromas Tri-County FPD serves the Aromas community, which is located at the intersection
of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties. The District maintains a single station at
the Corner of Carpenteria Road and Seely Avenue. While this station is within San Benito
County it is immediately across Carpenteria from Monterey County.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 37
SANTA CLARA COUNTY
HIGHWAY
129
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
N A S
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CYN
RD
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×ÑAROMAS TRI-COUNTY FPD
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District Boundary: Monterey County
District Boundary: Outside Monterey County*
HIGHWAY 156
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County Boundary
×Ñ *Boundary estimated for San Benito & Santa Cruz Counties
Note: The Sphere of Influence and District boundary are the same.
LAFCO of Monterey County Ü FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
AROMAS TRI-COUNTY
FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
0 1 2
P.O. Box 1369 132 W. Gabilan St., Suite 102 2012 Municipal Service Review
Salinas, CA 93902 Salinas, CA 93901 Miles
Telephone (831) 754-5838 FAX (831) 754-5831 Map Produced on 10/10/2011
38 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: A. AROMAS TRI-COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
The District serves an estimated population of 5,543 people, with 3,143 living within Monterey
County. The District anticipates a growth rate of approximately 2% a year within its
boundaries in coming years. In 2006, it was estimated that the District served 1,129 parcels in
Monterey County, 933 in San Benito County, and 70 in Santa Cruz County. Monterey County is
the District’s “Principal County,” defined as the county having the greater portion of the
assessed value of all taxable property within the district. This designation gives LAFCO of
Monterey County exclusive jurisdiction on proposed changes of organization or reorganization
for the District.
OPERATIONS
Most of the District’s general revenues come from ad valorem taxes on real estate and unsecured
property and from State Proposition 172 monies. The District also receives revenue through
inspections and fire mitigation fees for new construction. The District has created specific
reserves to replace needed equipment and buildings. On June 2010, these two funds contained
$76,550 and $248,500, respectively.
As of June 2010, the Aromas Tri-County FPD had invested $1,746,785 in a broad range of capital
assets including land, structures and improvements and equipment. The District has no long-
term liabilities. While the District’s Fund Balance dropped from $1,044,400 to $683,105
between June 30, 2008 and 2010 the District spent over $500,000 on capital assets over the same
period. These funds were used to acquire a new $400,000 fire engine, five mobile data
computers, a compressor, and to make fire station improvements.
The District currently maintains an ISO Public Protection Classification of 5 for properties
within five road miles of a station where there is a credible source of water.
Aromas Tri-County FPD shares administrative and management resources with the other
contract fire protection agencies served by CAL FIRE’s San Benito – Monterey Unit. The
District participates in mutual aid throughout the State, and maintains automatic aid
agreements with the City of Watsonville, and the North Monterey County and Pajaro Valley
Fire Protection Districts.
The District maintains a standard 3-person engine response to emergency calls. In Fiscal Year
2010-11 the District received 452 calls for assistance. Seventy percent of these calls were for
medical emergencies. The District reports that it responds to many automotive accidents along
the long stretches of Highways 101 and 129 that are within its boundaries. Injury accidents are
recorded in this data as medical emergencies. All full time personnel are trained to the
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or paramedic (ALS) level.
The District has identified a need to construct an additional fire station in the eastern portion of
the District, within San Benito County. The District reports that this project has been delayed
due to financial constraints, which are partially due to the District’s lack of a commercial tax
base. District Management is currently working with the County of San Benito and the San
Benito County Fire Department to develop a new station. This station is being sought on
LAFCO of Monterey County 39
CHAPTER THREE: A. AROMAS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
donated land near the entrance to the Rancho Larios residential subdivision, on the
unincorporated outskirts of San Juan Bautista.
The District Board of Directors is composed of five Members who are elected at-large to four-
year terms. The Board meets the last Tuesday of every other month at the Aromas Fire Station.
The District maintains a website which includes a list of members of the Board of Directors,
agendas of upcoming meetings, and minutes of past meetings.
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE & BOUNDARIES
Within Monterey County, the Aromas Tri-County Fire Protection District’s boundaries are
contiguous with those of the North County FPD. The District currently has no Sphere of
Influence beyond its boundaries in any of the three counties it serves. A map of the District’s
Sphere of Influence and boundaries can be seen at the beginning of this profile.
While no significant changes are anticipated to District boundaries within Monterey County,
conversations are continuing between the District and LAFCO staff concerning minor boundary
adjustments. Within San Benito County, the District is exploring an expansion eastward into
the San Juan Valley. This area contains rich agricultural lands as well as agricultural processing
facilities and a high school. This potential Sphere of Influence amendment and annexation is
seen as a way to facilitate the development of a second fire station.
A 2007 Countywide Municipal Service Review adopted by LAFCO of San Benito County stated
that the District may propose the annexation of additional territory to serve the City of San Juan
Bautista. The City currently has a volunteer fire department with limited financial and staff
resources. Such an annexation would provide the District with an existing second station.
LAFCO of Monterey County encourages the District and the City of San Juan Bautista to
consider options for sharing services.
While Monterey County is the “Principal County” for the consideration of Sphere of Influence
amendments, or changes of organization and reorganization, LAFCO of Monterey County
would likely seek direction from the LAFCOs in San Benito and Santa Cruz County for
proposals within these Counties.
40 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: A. AROMAS TRI-COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Aromas Tri-County Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
District Formation and Duties
Formation Date 1952
Fire Protection District Law of 1961, Health & Safety
Legal Authority
Code, section 13800 et seq.
Five Directors elected to four-year terms through at-large
elections. If the number of candidates equals the number
Board of Directors of eligible seats, or if there are no candidates, the Board of
Supervisors shall make these appointments pursuant to
Elections Code section 10515.
Agency Duties Fire Protection / Emergency Medical Services
District Revenues
2008-2009 2009-2010
Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
Property tax $1,176,215 88.1% $1,122,615 89.9%
Use of Money & Property (Interest Income) -$16,914 -1.3% $18,320 1.5%
Aid from Other Government Agencies
(Proposition 172 Fund, Homeowner's $103,176 7.7% $86,159 6.9%
Property Tax Relief, Grant Revenue)
Other Revenue $57,933 4.3% $18,546 1.5%
Fire Mitigation Fees $14,464 1.1% $2,974 0.2%
Revenue total $1,334,874 100.0% $1,248,614 100.0%
Source: Aromas Tri-County FPD, Financial Statements and Supplementary Information, June 30, 2010 and
2009, Statement E: Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances – All Government
Fund Types.
LAFCO of Monterey County 41
CHAPTER THREE: A. AROMAS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Aromas Tri-County Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Attributes
District area (est. square miles):
Monterey County 17.3
Entire District 40.0
Population (2010 estimated):
Monterey County 3,143
Entire District 5,543
Assessed Valuation (FY 10-11: Monterey County portion only) $440,500,742
Number of stations 1
Dispatch CAL FIRE
ISO Public Protection Classification:
Within 5 miles of a Station and with a Credible Source of
5
Water
Without a Credible Source of Water 9
Regular Financial Audits Annual
Annual Revenue Per Capita, Entire District (FY 09-10) $225
Average Portion of County 1% Property Tax Received 14¢/$1
Ending Total Fund Balance (June 2010) $683,105
Change in Total Fund Balance (from June 2008 to June 2010) -35%
Total Fund Balance/Annual Revenue Total (FY 09-10) 55%
Source: District area estimated utilizing County of Monterey GIS Data; Population
estimated utilizing 2010 U. S. Census Data; Assessed Valuation and Portion of
County Property Tax Received are from County of Monterey Auditor-Controller’s
Office; Fund Balance Information from District Audit; Other information from
District.
Types of Services
Fire X
Technical Rescue X
Basic Life Support (EMT) X
Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) -
Ambulance -
42 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: A. AROMAS TRI-COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Aromas Tri-County Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Station
Address Acquired/Built Condition
492 Carpenteria Road, Aromas 1979 Good
Apparatus
Two Type I Engines
Engines
One Type III Engine
4x4 Ford Expedition Command
Utility Vehicle
4x4 Ford F-150 Utility Vehicle
An additional Type III Engine is located at this station by CAL
FIRE for wildland fire protection during the fire season.
Total Staffing
Full time fire suppression 8.05
Temporary fire suppression 0
Volunteer/Paid call Firefighters 0
Non-safety regular .74
CAL FIRE’s San Benito-Monterey Unit contractually provides
staffing to the Aromas Tri-County FPD. The full time fire
suppression and non-safety regular positions outlined above
represent the District’s share of funding for full time positions,
which are sometimes referred to as “full time equivalents”
(“FTEs”).
LAFCO of Monterey County 43
CHAPTER THREE: A. AROMAS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Aromas Tri-County Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Total Calls For Service - Aromas Tri-County FPD
600
497 495
470
500
400
s
lla
C
la
300
t
o
T
200
100
0
CY 2008 CY 2009 CY 2010
Source: CAL FIRE Data.
Note: Information is for the entire District, which contains portions of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa
Cruz Counties. Also, this table tabulates calls referred to the District for primary response. Additional
calls are referred - and responded to - for mutual and automatic aid.
Calls for Service - Aromas Tri-County FPD
CY 2010
400
69%
350
300
250
200
150
100 15%
7%
50 4%
3% 2%
0
Medical Vegetation Fire Structure Fire Other Fire Haz-Mat/FMS Other
Emergency
Source: CAL FIRE Data.
Note: Information is for the entire District, which contains portions of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa
Cruz Counties.
44 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
B. Cachagua Fire Protection District
Address: P.O. Box 2090, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
Phone: 831/659-7700
Email: cfcchief@cachaguafire.com
Website: www.cachaguafire.com (Cachagua Volunteer Firefighters)
Fire Chief: Gregg I. Curry
SUMMARY
The Cachagua Fire Protection District serves the rugged area between the Carmel and Salinas
Valleys. This District was formed to provide public funding for an established volunteer fire
company. The District protects approximately 1,000 residents over an area of over 100 square
miles. The District’s extensive size and mountainous terrain slow response time and result in an
ISO Public Protection Classification of 9 within 5 road miles of a fire station where there is a
credible source of water. The entire District is within either a State or Federal Responsibility
Area. The volunteers maintain a strong working relationship with surrounding fire protection
districts, CAL FIRE, and the U. S. Forest Service, and receive significant financial support
through reimbursements for providing mutual aid in fighting wildland fires.
The District’s annual revenues vary depending on the level of annual mutual aid
reimbursements. In Fiscal Year 2008-09, when the Cachagua firefighters assisted in fighting the
Basin Complex Fire, the revenues to the District peaked at over $1.4 million, or approximately
$1,464 per resident. Fiscal Year 2010-11 was the first year in at least nine when the District
received no reimbursements for mutual aid. Revenue dropped to $83,503, or $85 per resident in
that year. While mutual aid reimbursements are primarily used to pay out-of-pocket expenses,
they have also allowed the District to accumulate a fund balance of over $265,000, which can be
used to weather short term funding lows. The District receives no portion of the County’s 1%
base property tax due to its formation after the 1978 voter approval of Proposition 13. The most
recent audit accepted by the District was for the 2006-07 fiscal year. The Cachagua FPD
provided LAFCO with a preliminary draft audit for the year ending in June 2009. The District is
working to complete a backlog of audits which will provide a current picture of District
finances.
The District’s boundary and Sphere of Influence are the same and there are no proposals for
expansion.
BACKGROUND
The Cachagua Volunteer Fire Company was organized in 1976 in the rural and mountainous area
on the eastern edge of Carmel Valley. The Cachagua Fire Protection District was formed in 1993
at the request of community residents who wanted to create an agency that could levy, with the
approval of the electorate, an assessment to support operation of the volunteers.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 45
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District Boundary
Note: Sphere of Influence and District
boundary are the same.
LAFCO of Monterey County Ü FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
CACHAGUA
FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
0 1 2 3
P.O. Box 1369 132 W. Gabilan St., Suite 102 2012 Municipal Services Review
S Te a l l e in p a h s o , n C e A ( 8 9 3 3 1 9 ) 0 7 2 54-5838 FA S X a li ( n 8 a 3 s 1 , ) C 7 A 54 9 -5 3 8 90 31 1 Miles Map Produced on 10/11/2011
46 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: B. CACHAGUA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
The volunteers and the District serve approximately 108 square miles with an estimated 2010
population of 978. The District is unlikely to experience a large population increase in the near
future. The District maintains a single station near the Cachagua General Store on Nason Road
near Cachagua Road. The District also uses the CAL FIRE Tularcitos Station at 16650 Cachagua
Road, and barn for storage near the intersection of Tassajara Road and East Carmel Valley Road.
OPERATIONS
Cachagua’s firefighting force is composed of 22 active volunteers, including a chief, battalion
chief, division chief, and five captains. Thirteen of these volunteers have served for ten or more
years, and the average age of all volunteers is 41. The Volunteer Fire Company recently added
five firefighters with less than two years of service and the average age of these volunteers is 21.
All District volunteers are trained as emergency medical technicians. Approximately half of the
volunteers have employment or other responsibilities that take them out of the District during
the day.
The District is currently developing a five-year plan to facilitate long range planning. The
volunteer firefighters work actively to stay connected to the rural Cachagua community. They
barbeque tri-tip at the annual Cachagua Country Fair, and maintain an accessible up-to-date
listing of their activities on Facebook.
The District’s terrain, all of which is either in a State or Federal Responsibility Area, is prone to
wildfires. In 2008, the Basin Complex fire burned over 160,000 acres and became the third
largest wildfire in California history. It forced evacuations within Cachagua while the
Volunteers fought the fire alongside CAL FIRE and other Federal, State, and local firefighters,
through the State’s mutual aid system.
The Cachagua FPD annual budget frequently projects expenditures exceeding projected
revenues. The budget is adopted with the expectation that, in most years, this deficit will be
made up by reimbursement payments for mutual aid provided by District “strike teams”
providing assistance to other fire protection agencies. The State Controller’s records show that
the District received over $1.3 million in these “charges for current services” during the 2008-09
fiscal year, or 93% of all revenues received that year. While the 2008-09 fiscal year was an
extreme year for wildfires, the average percentage of the District’s revenues that was from
mutual aid reimbursements for the five years prior to Fiscal Year 2008-09 was 47%.
The District provides mutual aid within District boundaries for fighting wildfires that are the
responsibility of Federal or State firefighters. Mutual aid is also provided outside District
boundaries when the District’s assistance is requested. While mutual aid reimbursements are
received by all fire protection districts and departments, they are particularly important to
Cachagua’s finances because of its small budget. The District’s location within State and
Federal Responsibility Areas also increases the opportunities to provide mutual aid.
The District receives mutual aid reimbursements through two internal divisions: the Fire
Suppression Division and the Heavy Equipment Division. Most funds received for fire
suppression are spent for wages to Cachagua firefighters, although the District also receives
LAFCO
of Monterey County 47
CHAPTER THREE: B. CACHAGUA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
reimbursements for the use of its apparatus and for other District expenses. Funds for heavy
equipment are used to pay for the use of equipment through a memorandum of agreement with
private contractors. This includes the use of bulldozers, excavators, and transport vehicles
needed for fighting wildfires. The Cachagua FPD reports that a percentage of the heavy
equipment reimbursements to contractors is used to support District operations.
In Fiscal Year 2010-11, the District received no funds from the provision of mutual aid for the first
year in the past nine. Primarily for this reason, the District ended the year with revenues of
$83,503 and a deficit of $13,742. Mutual aid reimbursements from past years have allowed the
District to accumulate funds in a reserve which at the end of Fiscal Year 2009-10 stood at
$263,074. This allows the District to absorb deficit years when mutual aid reimbursements are
low. The District also has no long-term debt.
The District’s adopted Fiscal Year 2011-12 budget includes a revenue projection of $92,850. The
largest portion of these revenues ($52,000) is from a benefit assessment that was adopted by
District voters. The assessment varies from $48/year for an unimproved parcel to $96/year for a
parcel with a single family home up to a maximum charge of $196/year for a vineyard. The next
largest component of District revenues is derived from Proposition 172 funds through the
County ($33,850). Because the District was formed after the 1979 State adoption of Proposition
13, the District receives no share of the 1% property tax collected by the County.
The audit for Fiscal Year 2006-07 is the most recent audit accepted by the District Board. A
letter accompanying the audit identified several deficiencies in internal control over financial
reporting. These deficiencies were for not reconsolidating bank accounts on a monthly basis, a
lack of month-end and year-end close procedures, a lack of policies and procedures for
administrative functions, and noncompliance with Federal and State payroll tax requirements.
The District also has a preliminary draft audit for review and discussion, dated February 2, 2012,
for the year ending June 30, 2009. The management letter accompanying this preliminary draft
identified deficiencies in the District’s internal control in the area of financial reporting and
inadequate accounting records. These deficiencies were identified as “material weaknesses.”
The management letter also identified other deficiencies including the lack of written policies
and procedures for its administrative functions.
In the last few years the District has worked to remedy the noted deficiencies. A Policy Manual
was adopted by the District which includes administrative and financial policies and
procedures. The District is currently completing a backlog of audits and the District’s Fiscal
Year 2011-12 budget includes monies for completing audits for the three previous fiscal years.
Following the completion of the FY 09-10 audit the District will begin preparing audits every
two years.
The District also has a preliminary draft audit for review and discussion, dated February 2, 2012,
for the year ending June 30, 2009. The management letter accompanying this preliminary draft
identified deficiencies in the District’s internal control in the area of financial reporting and
inadequate accounting records. These deficiencies were identified as “material weaknesses.”
The management letter also identified other deficiencies including the lack of a procedures
manual for administrative functions.
48 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: B. CACHAGUA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
In reviewing the District’s finances, LAFCO relied on the 2006-07 audit, copies of adopted
budgets, and the basic financial information provided by the District to the State Controller as
required by law. The report’s financial information is derived from these sources and
conversations with the District.
The District Board of Directors is composed of three directors elected to four-year terms through
at-large elections. The Board meets at the Cachagua Firehouse at 7:00 pm on the second
Monday of each month. While the District does not maintain a website, information on
Cachagua firefighting activities can be found on a website maintained by the Cachagua
Volunteers. This website, however, contains no information on Cachagua Fire District
directors, upcoming meetings, or past meetings. In addition to their website, the Cachagua
Volunteers also maintain a Facebook page with daily postings.
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE & BOUNDARIES
The Sphere of Influence and District boundaries are the same and have been virtually unchanged
since District formation. No changes are anticipated. A map of the District’s Sphere of Influence
and boundaries can be seen at the beginning of this profile.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 49
CHAPTER THREE: B. CACHAGUA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Cachagua Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
District Formation and Duties
Formation Date 1993
Fire Protection District Law of 1961, Health & Safety
Legal Authority
Code, section 13800 et seq.
Three Directors elected to four-year terms through at-
large elections. If the number of candidates equals the
number of eligible seats, or if there are no candidates,
Board of Directors
the Board of Supervisors shall make these
appointments pursuant to Elections Code section
10515.
Agency Duties Fire Protection / Emergency Medical Services
District Revenues
2008-2009 2009-2010
Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
Property Assessments $48,924 3.4% $27,136 10.0%
Interest Income $1,684 0.1% $160 0.1%
Intergovernmental: State 0 0.0% $31,292 11.6%
Intergovernmental: Other Gov’t
$14,525 1.0% $49,116 18.2%
Agencies
Intergovernmental: Charges for
$1,330,998 93.0% $155,679 57.6%
Current Services
Other Revenue $35,256 2.5% $7,085 2.6%
Revenue Total $1,431,387 100.0% $270,468 100.0%
Source: California State Controller, Special Districts Annual Report for the Fiscal Years Ending June 30,
2009 and 2010, Table 10: Non-Enterprise – General & Special Revenue Funds by Special District in
Alphabetical Order/Activity Order.
50 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: B. CACHAGUA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Cachagua Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Attributes
District Area (estimated square miles) 108.1
Population (2010 estimated) 978
Assessed Valuation (FY 10-11) $208,092,872
Number of Stations 1
Dispatch CAL FIRE
ISO Public Protection Classification:
9
Within 5 miles of a Station and with a Credible Source of Water
10
Without a Credible Source of Water
Regular Financial Audits Annual
Annual Revenue Per Capita (estimated FY 09-10) $277
Average Portion of County 1% Property Tax Received 0¢/$1
Ending General and Special Fund Balance (June 2010) $267,220
Change in General Fund Balance (from June 2009 to June 2010) N/A
Total Fund Balance/Annual Revenue Total (FY 09-10) 99%
Source: District area estimated utilizing County of Monterey GIS Data; Population estimated utilizing
2010 U. S. Census Data, Assessed Valuation and Portion of County Property Tax Received are from
County of Monterey Auditor-Controller’s Office; Fund Balance Information from information provided
to the State Controller by the District; Other information from District.
NOTE: While the District prepares annual audits, the preparation of these audits has been delayed. No
audit has been accepted by the District since Fiscal Year 2006-07. The District has provided LAFCO
with a preliminary draft audit for the year ending in June 2009.
Types of Services
Fire X
Technical Rescue X
Basic Life Support (EMT) X
Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) -
Ambulance -
LAFCO
of Monterey County 51
CHAPTER THREE: B. CACHAGUA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Cachagua Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Station
Address Acquired/Built Condition
37200 Nason Road,
Unknown Poor
Carmel Valley
In addition the District stores fire apparatus at the CAL
FIRE Station (16650 Cachagua Road, Carmel Valley) and at
the Eaton Ranch Barn (36105 Tassajara Road, Carmel
Valley).
Apparatus
2 Type I Engines
Engines
3 Type III Engines
Ambulance/Squads/
1 Rescue Vehicle
Rescue
1 Polaris Utility Vehicle
Utility
1 Patrol Vehicle
Total Staffing
Full time fire suppression 0
Temporary fire suppression 0
Volunteer / Paid call firefighters 22
Non-safety regular 0
Volunteers listed are with the Cachagua Volunteer Fire Company.
52 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: B. CACHAGUA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Cachagua Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Total Calls for Service - Cachagua FPD
100
83
77
80
60
s lla 60
C
la
t o 40
T
20
0
CY 2008 CY 2009 CY 2010
Source: CAL FIRE Data.
Note: This table tabulates calls referred to the District for primary response. Additional calls are referred
- and responded to - for mutual and automatic aid.
Calls for Service - Cachagua FPD
CY 2010
50
73%
40
30
20
10 8% 10%
5%
2% 2%
0
Medical Vegetation Fire Structure Fire Other Fire Haz-Mat/FMS Other
Emergency
Source: CAL FIRE Data.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 53
CHAPTER THREE: B. CACHAGUA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
[This page left blank intentionally.]
54 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
C. Carmel Highlands Fire Protection District
Administrative Office: 2221 Garden Road, Monterey, CA 93940 (CAL FIRE)
Phone: 831/333‐2600
Fax: 831/333‐2660
Email: rick.hutchinson@fire.ca.gov
Website: www.carmelhighlandsfire.org
Unit Fire Chief: Richard C. Hutchinson, Jr.
SUMMARY
The Carmel Highlands Fire Protection District provides fire protection and emergency medical
services in the coastal area south of the City of Carmel-by-the Sea and the Cypress Fire
Protection District. The District’s six square miles contain just over 1,000 people. The District
is supported with annual revenues and fund balances both in excess of $2 million. The District
has financial procedures in place to ensure the preparation of timely agency audits. The District
provides a high level of firefighting and paramedic medical services with an ISO Rating which
stands at 4 within five road miles of a fire station where there is a credible water source for
fighting fires. This is a rating only exceeded by one district within the County. The District
provides services through a contract with CAL FIRE, and works closely and cooperatively with
the Cypress Fire Protection District and the Pebble Beach Community Services District. The
District currently has a small Sphere of Influence beyond its boundaries. In this report, the
Executive Officer proposes an expansion of the Carmel Highlands FPD’s Sphere to include
adjacent parcels. The District agrees with this recommendation.
BACKGROUND
The Carmel Highlands Fire Protection District is located in the coastal area south of the City of
Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Cypress Fire Protection District. The District was formed in 1932,
and currently contracts with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL
FIRE) to provide management and personnel services. The District’s single fire station is on
Fern Canyon Road, just east of Highway One.
Data from the 2010 U. S. Census indicates that the District population is approximately 1,036.
This population is unlikely to increase substantially in coming years due to the environmental
and regulatory constraints to growth in this coastal area.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 55
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District Boundary
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Proposed Sphere of Influence Amendment
LAFCO of Monterey County Ü FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
CARMEL HIGHLANDS
FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
0 1
P.O. Box 1369 132 W. Gabilan St., Suite 102 2012 Municipal Services Review
S Te a l l e in p a h s o , n C e A ( 8 9 3 3 1 9 ) 0 7 2 54-5838 FA S X a li ( n 8 a 3 s 1 , ) C 7 A 54 9 -5 3 8 9 3 0 1 1 Miles Map Produced on 12/19/2011
56 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: C. CARMEL HIGHLANDS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
OPERATIONS
The Carmel Highlands FPD is on firm financial footing. As of June 2010, the District had
invested $3,999,085 in a broad range of capital assets including land, structures and
improvements and equipment. As of this same date, the District had no long-term debt. At this
time the District’s fund balance increased to approximately $2,450,000. This was a 13% increase
from June 2008. The District reserves include separate reserves for buildings ($700,000),
equipment ($800,000), and operations ($926,738). Over this two-year period the District was
also able to invest in $400,000 in capital assets, including a $300,000 fire engine, a Chevrolet
Silverado, mobile data computers, and a reverse 911 system to notify residents of impending
emergencies.
The District receives the vast majority of its revenues in the form of property taxes –
approximately $1.9 million, or almost 90% of its Fiscal Year 2009-10 revenues.
The District works closely with two adjacent districts - the Cypress FPD and the Pebble Beach
Community Services District - that are also staffed by CAL FIRE. These three Districts operate
what is in essence a seamless regional fire department. The arrangement has been formed
through cost sharing agreements, without the formality or bureaucracy of a joint powers
agreement or consolidation. Each District funds the level of station staffing that they approve,
and all three share fire command, fire prevention, training, and support staff functions.
The District participates in mutual aid throughout the State, and maintains an automatic aid
agreement with Cypress FPD and the Mid-Coast Volunteer Fire Company.
The Carmel Highlands FPD maintains an ISO Public Protection Classification of 4 within 5 road
miles of a station where there is a credible source of water. The District responds with a three-
person staffed paramedic engine company which allows for initiation of advanced life support
medical care to the sick or injured.
In Calendar Year 2010, the District received 173 calls for services, excluding mutual and
automatic aid calls. 57% of these calls were for medical emergencies and 21% were for structural
and other fires.
The Carmel Highlands Board of Directors is composed of five Members who are appointed to
four-year terms by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. The Board of Directors meets on
the third Wednesday of every other month at the District firehouse. The District maintains a
website which includes a list of Board members and agendas for upcoming Board meetings.
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE & BOUNDARIES
The Sphere of Influence of the District extends beyond its District boundaries in two areas: the
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and State parklands that are east of the reserve.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 57
CHAPTER THREE: C. CARMEL HIGHLANDS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
The Executive Officer proposes that the Sphere of Influence extend into some primarily open
space lands to the east of the current District boundaries. This expansion will fill a gap between
the existing boundaries of the Cypress and Monterey County Regional FPDs. A discussion of
this proposed expansion area is included in the first determination recommended in Chapter
Two. A map of the District’s Sphere of Influence and boundaries, and the proposed Sphere
expansion, can be seen at the beginning of this profile. The Sphere of Influence amendment is
supported by the Carmel Highlands FPD and the adjacent Monterey County Regional FPD.
With the designation of this Sphere of Influence, the District will explore the preparation of a
proposal to annex this area into the District.
58 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: C. CARMEL HIGHLANDS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Carmel Highlands Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
District Formation and Duties
Formation Date 1932
Fire Protection District Law of 1961, Health & Safety
Legal Authority
Code, section 13800 et seq.
Five Directors appointed to four-year terms by the
Board of Directors
Monterey County Board of Supervisors
Agency Duties Fire Protection / Emergency Medical Services
District Revenues
2008-2009 2009-2010
Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
Property tax $2,020,525 93.3% $1,907,128 88.9%
Use of Money & Property -$38,424 -1.8% $41,826 2.0%
Aid from Other Government Agencies
(Proposition 172 Fund and Homeowner's $149,865 6.9% $150,043 7.0%
Property Tax Relief)
Other Revenue $33,475 1.5% $45,357 2.1%
Revenue total $2,165,441 100.0% $2,144,354 100.0%
Source: Carmel Highlands FPD, Financial Statements and Supplementary Information, June 30, 2010 and
2009, Statement E: Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances – All Government
Fund Types.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 59
CHAPTER THREE: C. CARMEL HIGHLANDS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Carmel Highlands Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Attributes
District area (est. square miles) 6.2
Population (2010 estimated) 1,036
Assessed Valuation (FY 10-11) $919,170,579
Number of stations 1
Dispatch CAL FIRE
ISO Public Protection Classification:
Within 5 miles of a Station and with a Credible Source of Water 4
Without a Credible Source of Water 9
Regular Financial Audits Annual
Annual Revenue Per Capita (FY 09-10) $2,070
Average Portion of County 1% Property Tax Received 25¢/$1
Ending Total Fund Balance (June 2010) $2,450,671
Change in Total Fund Balance (from June 2008 to June 2010) 13%
Total Fund Balance/Annual Revenue Total (FY 09-10) 114%
Source: District area estimated utilizing County of Monterey GIS Data;
Population estimated utilizing 2010 U. S. Census Data, Assessed Valuation and
Portion of County Property Tax Received are from County of Monterey Auditor-
Controller’s Office; Fund Balance Information from District Audit; Other
information from District.
Types of Services
Fire X
Technical Rescue X
Basic Life Support (EMT) X
Advanced Life Support
X
(Paramedic)
Ambulance -
Station
Address Acquired/Built Condition
73 Fern Canyon
2002 Excellent
Road, Carmel
60 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: C. CARMEL HIGHLANDS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Carmel Highlands Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Apparatus
One Type I Fire Engines
Engines
One Type III Fire Engines
Utility Three Support Utility Vehicles
Carmel Highlands FPD also shares 4 Fire Command Vehicles, 1 Training
Captain Vehicle, and 1 Paramedic Captain Vehicle with the Pebble Beach
Community Services District and the Cypress FPD.
Total Staffing
Full time fire suppression 11.35
Temporary fire suppression 0
Volunteer / Paid call firefighters 0
Non-safety regular .57
CAL FIRE’s San Benito-Monterey Unit contractually provides staffing to the
Carmel Highlands FPD. The full time fire suppression and non-safety regular
positions outlined above represent the District’s share of funding for full time
positions, which are sometimes referred to as “full time equivalents” (“FTEs”).
Total Calls for Service - Carmel Highlands FPD
300
250
187
200 173
s 161
lla
C
la
150
t
o
T
100
50
0
CY 2008 CY 2009 CY 2010
Source: CAL FIRE Data.
Note: This table tabulates calls referred to the District for primary response. Additional calls are referred
- and responded to - for mutual and automatic aid.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 61
CHAPTER THREE: C. CARMEL HIGHLANDS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Carmel Highlands Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Calls for Service - Carmel Highlands FPD
CY 2010
120
57%
100
80
60
40 19%
13%
8%
20
2%
0%
0
Medical Vegetation Fire Structure Fire Other Fire Haz-Mat/FMS Other
Emergency
Source: CAL FIRE Data.
62 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
D. Cypress Fire Protection District
Administrative Office: 2221 Garden Road, Monterey, CA 93940 (CAL FIRE)
Phone: 831/333‐2600
Fax: 831/333‐2660
Email: rick.hutchinson@fire.ca.gov
Website: www.cypressfire.org
Unit Fire Chief: Richard C. Hutchinson, Jr.
SUMMARY
The Cypress Fire Protection District provides fire protection and emergency medical services to
approximately 7,600 residents within the Mouth of the Carmel Valley, and unincorporated
portions of Carmel and Monterey. While the District was formed in 1993, it receives a portion of
the County’s 1% tax rate as the successor of two county service areas which previously provided
fire protection service. The District receives approximately $3.9 million a year in revenue, or
approximately $516 per resident. The District fund balance was approximately $6.8 million as of
June 2010. The District has financial procedures in place to ensure the preparation of timely
agency audits. The ISO Rating for Cypress stands at a 4 within five road miles of a fire station
where there is a credible water source for fighting fires. This rating is only exceeded by one
district within the County.
The District provides services through a contract with CAL FIRE, and works cooperatively with
the Carmel Highlands Fire Protection District and the Pebble Beach Community Services
District. In this report, the Executive Officer proposes an amendment to the Sphere of Influence
for the District to include the existing District boundary and adjoining areas. The District
agrees with this recommendation.
BACKGROUND
The Cypress Fire Protection District provides structural fire protection and emergency medical
services to the unincorporated area surrounding the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the lower
Carmel Valley, and the Aguajito and Del Monte Fairways areas. While many of these areas are
located within the Spheres of Influence of the Cities of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey, no
significant annexation to these cities, and resulting detachment from the Fire Protection
District, is anticipated in the near future.
The District was formed in 1993 as a result of combining two County Service Areas: CSA No. 39
(Del Monte Fairways, Josselyn Canyon, and Aguajito) and CSA 43 (Carmel Unincorporated).
These CSAs were administered by the County which contracted with CAL FIRE for fire
protection service. Following District formation, the new District Board of Directors continued
the contract with CAL FIRE.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 63
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LAFCO of Monterey County Ü FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
CYPRESS
FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
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P.O. Box 1369 132 W. Gabilan St., Suite 102 2012 Municipal Services Review
S Te a l l e in p a h s o , n C e A ( 8 9 3 3 1 9 ) 0 7 2 54-5838 FA S X a li ( n 8 a 3 s 1 , ) C 7 A 54 9 -5 39 8 0 31 1 Miles Map Produced: 12/19/2011
64 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: D. CYPRESS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
The District has a population estimated at 7,565. Population growth, particularly in the lower
Carmel Valley area, may add up to 3,000 residents in coming decades according to the District.
OPERATIONS
On June 30, 2010, the District ended the fiscal year with a fund balance of $6,792,067, an 8%
increase from June 2008. This fund balance is almost twice the size of the District’s annual
budget. Approximately $1.2 million of the fund balance is held in an unassigned operations
fund. The remainder is committed to a building reserve ($2.8 million) and an equipment reserve
($2.8 million). The District has no long-term debt. The District received revenues of over $3.9
million in Fiscal Year 2009-10, approximately 88% of which was derived from property taxes. In
FY 2008-09 and FY 2009-10 the District invested approximately $240,000 in capital assets,
including the purchase of three utility vehicles.
The District works closely with two adjacent districts that are also staffed through CAL FIRE:
the Carmel Highlands FPD and the Pebble Beach Community Services District. The residents of
these three districts benefit from a sharing of stations, apparatus, and staffing. The arrangement
has been formed through cost sharing agreements, without the formality or bureaucracy of a
joint powers agreement or consolidation.
There are two fire stations serving the District. The main Cypress Fire Station located on Rio
Road in the mouth of the Carmel Valley is fully owned by the District. In addition, the District
owns 25% equity interest in the Carmel Hill Fire Station located inside the Highway One Gate
in Pebble Beach. The station is jointly owned by the Pebble Beach Community Services District
(25%) and CAL FIRE (50%). The station is strategically located to provide regional wildland
fire protection as well as structural fire protection within the Cypress and Pebble Beach
districts.
In the last few years, the District has invested in capital assets, including the purchase of mobile
data computers and a reverse 911 system to notify residents of impending emergencies.
Cypress FPD is exploring ways in which it can work more closely with the Monterey Peninsula
Airport District. The District currently locates a Type I fire engine at the airport and airport
personnel use this engine to provide fire protection service to those portions of the Cypress FPD
that can more effectively be responded to from this location. Cypress pays for the overtime
needed to provide this service with a 2-person engine response. Cypress FPD then provides
paramedic response from its Carmel Hill station.
The District participates in mutual aid throughout the State, and maintains automatic aid
agreements with the Cities of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey, the Pebble Beach CSD, the
Monterey Peninsula Airport District, and the Monterey Co. Regional and Carmel Highlands
FPDs.
The Cypress FPD maintains an ISO Public Protection Classification of 4 within five road miles
of a fire station where there is a credible water source for fighting fires. The District responds
with a four-person staffed paramedic engine company which allows for initiation of advanced
LAFCO
of Monterey County 65
CHAPTER THREE: D. CYPRESS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
life support medical care to the sick or injured and the immediate interior fire attack of
structural fires.
The District receives more calls for service than any other agency staffed by CAL FIRE’s San
Benito-Monterey unit. In Calendar Year 2010, calls to the District totaled 1,051, excluding calls
for mutual and automatic aid. While the majority of these calls were medical, there were eleven
calls involving structure fires.
The Cypress Board of Directors is composed of five Members who are elected at-large to four-
year terms. The Board meets on the third Thursday of every other month at the District
firehouse. The District maintains a website which includes a list of Board members and agendas
for upcoming Board meetings.
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE & BOUNDARIES
When the District was formed in 1993, it was given a “zero Sphere of Influence.” This
designation projected that the District would eventually merge with another fire protection
agency.
The designation of a zero Sphere of Influence was initially applied in 1991 when LAFCO
conditionally approved the dissolution of CSA 39 and 43 and their annexation to the Mid-
Carmel Valley Fire Protection District. While this reorganization was defeated at the polls by
voters, the zero Sphere of Influence designation remained in effect. When the Cypress District
was formed in 1993, the LAFCO Executive Officer wrote that the District formation “conforms
with the intent of the existing sphere designations” through the “consolidation of CSA No. 39
and 43 into a new fire protection district.”
Since 1993, the Mid-Valley and Carmel Valley Districts have merged and this merged District
consolidated with the Monterey County Regional FPD. The Cypress FPD has also formed a
close working relationship with the Carmel Highlands FPD and the Pebble Beach CSD which
allows for many of the benefits of a larger, consolidated district. The District is also financially
and operationally viable, and a strong sense of public participation is apparent in competitive
district board elections.
Accordingly, the Executive Officer recommends the removal of the “zero” Sphere of Influence
designation. The Executive Officer recommends that the Sphere be amended to include
properties currently taxed and served by the District, as well as adjacent areas that could benefit
from future inclusion in a fire protection district. The areas recommended for inclusion in the
District Sphere are either surrounded by, or adjacent to, the District’s current boundaries and
are not located within the Sphere of Influence of another fire protection district. These areas
include land within and adjacent to Jacks Peak County Park, the Rancho Cañada Golf Club, the
“Property Reserve” parcel north of Carmel Valley Road, portions of State-owned Hatton
Canyon, and undeveloped residential property near Highway 68.
A map of the District’s boundaries, and the proposed Sphere expansion, is at the beginning of
this profile. This recommended Sphere of Influence is supported by the Cypress FPD, and the
adjacent Monterey County Regional and Carmel Highlands FPDs.
66 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: D. CYPRESS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
With the designation of this Sphere of Influence, the District will continue to serve those
properties it has served since 1993. The District proposes to annex adjacent parcels.
LAFCO anticipates that the cities of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey may annex areas that are
now within District boundaries. This would trigger detachment from the District, and in some
cases may cause a financial hardship to the District. An existing LAFCO policy discourages
proposals causing adverse financial impacts on the provision of government services. This
policy may support financial mitigation to compensate for future District detachments.
Cypress Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
District Formation and Duties
Formation Date 1993
Fire Protection District Law of 1961, Health & Safety
Legal Authority
Code, section 13800 et seq.
Five Directors elected to four-year terms through at-large
elections. If the number of candidates equals the number
Board of Directors of eligible seats, or if there are no candidates, the Board of
Supervisors shall make these appointments pursuant to
Elections Code section 10515.
Agency Duties Fire Protection / Emergency Medical Services
District Revenues
2008-2009 2009-2010
% of
Amount % of Total Amount
Total
Property tax $3,732,059 93.8% $3,424,018 87.6%
Use of Money & Property (Interest and
-$98,109 -2.5% $135,494 3.5%
Rent)
Aid from Other Government Agencies
(Proposition 172 Fund and Homeowner's $197,841 5.0% $198,172 5.1%
Property Tax Relief)
Other Revenue $133,040 3.3% $114,495 2.9%
Fire Assessments and Mitigation Fees $12,200 0.3% $35,059 0.9%
Revenue total $3,977,031 100% $3,907,238 100%
Source: Cypress FPD, Financial Statements and Supplementary Information, June 30, 2010 and 2009,
Statement E: Combined Statements of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances – All
Government Fund Types.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 67
CHAPTER THREE: D. CYPRESS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Cypress Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Attributes
District area (est. square miles) 7.4
Population (2010 estimated) 7,565
Assessed Valuation (FY 10-11) $2,848,298,620
Number of stations 2
Dispatch CAL FIRE
ISO Public Protection Classification:
Within 5 miles of a Station and with a Credible Source of Water 4
Without a Credible Source of Water 9
Regular Financial Audits Annual
Annual Revenue Per Capita (FY 09-10) $516
Average Portion of County 1% Property Tax Received 15¢/$1
Ending Total Fund Balance (June 2010) $6,792,067
Change in Total Fund Balance (from June 2008 to June 2010) 8%
Total Fund Balance/Annual Revenue Total (FY 09-10) 174%
Source: District area estimated utilizing County of Monterey GIS Data;
Population estimated utilizing 2010 U. S. Census Data, Assessed Valuation and
Portion of County Property Tax Received are from County of Monterey Auditor-
Controller’s Office; Fund Balance Information from District Audit; Other
information from District.
NOTE: One of the Stations, the Carmel Hill Station, is jointly owned and shared
with the Pebble Beach Community Services District and CAL FIRE.
Types of Services
Fire X
Technical Rescue X
Basic Life Support (EMT) X
Advanced Life Support
X
(Paramedic)
Ambulance -
Cypress Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
68 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: D. CYPRESS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Stations
Address Acquired/Built Condition
3775 Rio Road,
Unknown Good
Carmel
4180 17 Mile Drive,
Pebble Beach
1995 Good
(Station shared with
Pebble Beach CSD)
The District also maintains fire apparatus at the Monterey Airport
Fire Station for responses to nearby calls.
Apparatus
Engines 4 Type I Fire Engines
Utility 5 Utility Support Vehicles
Cypress FPD also shares 4 Fire Command Vehicles, 1 Training Captain
Vehicle, and 1 Paramedic Captain Vehicle with the Pebble Beach CSD
and the Carmel Highlands FPD.
Total Staffing
Full time fire suppression 25.25
Temporary fire suppression 0
Volunteer / Paid call firefighters 0
Non-safety regular 1.67
CAL FIRE’s San Benito-Monterey Unit contractually provides
staffing to the Cypress FPD. The full time fire suppression and
non-safety regular positions outlined above represent the
District’s share of funding for full time positions, which are
sometimes referred to as “full time equivalents” (“FTEs”).
LAFCO
of Monterey County 69
CHAPTER THREE: D. CYPRESS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Cypress Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Total Calls for Service - Cypress FPD
1400
1200 1108
1037 1051
1000
s
lla 800
C
la
t 600
o
T
400
200
0
CY 2008 CY 2009 CY 2010
Source: CAL FIRE Data.
Note: This table tabulates calls referred to the District for primary response. Additional calls are
referred - and responded to - for mutual and automatic aid.
Calls for Service - Cypress FPD
CY 2010
800
67%
700
600
500
400
300
15%
200 12%
5%
100
0% 1%
0
Medical Vegetation Fire Structure Fire Other Fire Haz-Mat/FMS Other
Emergency
Source: CAL FIRE Data.
70 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
E. Gonzales Rural Fire Protection District
District: 31958 Gloria Road, Gonzales, CA 93926
Phone: 831/675‐3503
Fax: 831/675‐8814
City: 325 Center Street, Gonzales, CA 93926 (Gonzales City Fire Department)
Phone: 831/675-3677, 831/675-5010
Fax: 831/675-2644
Email: pmiller@ci.gonzales.ca.us
Websites: www.ci.gonzales.ca.us/fire-department.php (City of Gonzales)
www.gonzalesvfd.org (Gonzales Volunteer Fire Department)
Director: Paul Miller (Public Safety Director)
Fire Chief: Rick Rubbo (Gonzales Volunteer Fire Department)
SUMMARY
The Gonzales Rural Fire Protection District represents the rural area around the City of
Gonzales. The District’s boundaries cover a total of 58 square miles, but include only an
estimated 619 residents. The District contracts with the City of Gonzales to provide fire
protection service within District boundaries. The District provides its revenues of
approximately $145,000 per year to the City in compensation for these services. This cost
effective relationship allows rural residents to receive the services of the City Fire Department.
The District has financial procedures in place to ensure the preparation of timely agency audits.
The City Fire Department maintains an ISO Public Protection Classification of 5 within City
limits. The ISO Rating is 8B within the District within five road miles of a fire station where
there is a credible water source for fighting fires. The District boundaries and Sphere of
Influence are the same, and no plans to expand this area are being discussed.
BACKGROUND
The Gonzales Rural Fire Protection District has served the rural area surrounding the City of
Gonzales since 1950. In 2010, this rural area contained an estimated population of 619. While
growth in this area is projected by the City of Gonzales’ General Plan, this growth would occur
only following annexation to the City and detachment from the District. The population within
District boundaries is therefore unlikely to grow significantly. The small size of the District
does not allow it to economically maintain independent fire protection service. The District
Board of Directors has contracted with the City of Gonzales to receive fire protection service
through the City’s volunteer fire department.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 71
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LAFCO of Monterey County Ü FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
GONZALES RURAL
FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
0 1 2
P.O. Box 1369 132 W. Gabilan St., Suite 102 2012 Municipal Services Review
Salinas, CA 93902 Salinas, CA 93901
Telephone (831) 754-5838 FAX (831) 754-5831 Miles Map Produced on 10/11/2011
72 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: E. GONZALES RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
OPERATIONS
Through an agreement between the Gonzales Rural FPD and the City, District revenues are
directly transferred to the City for this service, with only a minimal amount withheld for
insurance, audit, and LAFCO’s annual assessment. The agreement states that the City will use
the District’s contributions for not more than fifty percent of the total Fire Department annual
operating budget. If District funds exceed fifty percent of the annual operating expenses these
monies will be used for equipment, vehicles, and/or facilities directly related to fire suppression
services. The District-City contract is expected to be renewed, following the current contract’s
expiration on July 1, 2013.
The Gonzales Rural FPD prepares an audit every five years because of its simple financial
arrangements. Property taxes constitute approximately 77% of all District revenues. Because of
its financial relationship with the City, the District has no significant assets or reserves, nor does
the District have a need for these. The District also has no long-term debts.
The City provides service through its fire station and utilizing its fire apparatus, equipment, and
personnel. The Gonzales City Fire Department is staffed by 15 dedicated volunteers and one
career Engineer. The Department is led by Volunteer Fire Chief, Rick Rubbo. The Department
has fewer volunteers today than in the past due to training requirements, eligibility
requirements, and the trend for residents to work out of town. Department representatives
remain convinced, however, that with adequate publicity and outreach they can maintain a
viable volunteer firefighting force for years to come.
The Department responds to over 300 primary response calls per year within the boundaries of
the City and Rural Fire Protection District. Administrative support is provided by the City’s
Emergency Services Director, Paul Miller.
While the ISO Public Protection Classification within the City is maintained at a level of 5, the
more rural areas within the District have a rating of 8B/10. The City Fire Department maintains
automatic aid agreements with the Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District and the
Correctional Training Facility.
The District Board of Directors is composed of three Members. Directors are elected to four-
year terms in at-large elections, although if there are no candidates the County Board of
Supervisors will make the appointments. The District Board meets quarterly as business merits.
The District does not maintain a web page although information on fire protection and EMS
services within the District can be found at websites maintained by the City of Gonzales and the
Gonzales Volunteer Fire Department. However, no information is available at these websites
about District Board Members or meetings.
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE & BOUNDARIES
The Gonzales Rural FPD has no Sphere of Influence beyond District boundaries. The District’s
boundaries abut the Monterey County Regional FPD on the north and the Mission Soledad
Rural FPD on the south. The eastern and western boundaries of the District extend into the
LAFCO
of Monterey County 73
CHAPTER THREE: E. GONZALES RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
State Responsibility Area. A map of the District’s Sphere of Influence and boundaries can be
seen at the beginning of this profile.
District boundaries will be reduced if the City of Gonzales is successful in its plans to expand
and annex surrounding parcels. While the detachment of land through city annexations is a
common concern to many fire protection districts, the financial and service arrangements
between the Gonzales Rural FPD and the City make these changes revenue and service neutral.
74 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: E. GONZALES RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Gonzales Rural Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
District Formation and Duties
Formation Date 1956
Fire Protection District Law of 1961, Health & Safety
Legal Authority
Code, section 13800 et seq.
Three Directors elected to four-year terms through at-
large elections. If the number of candidates equals the
Board of Directors number of eligible seats, or if there are no candidates, the
Board of Supervisors shall make these appointments
pursuant to Elections Code section 10515.
Agency Duties Fire Protection / Emergency Medical Services
District Revenues (5 Year Total and Average)
5 Year Total: 2006-2011 5 Year Average: 2006-2011
Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
Property tax $557,894 77.4% $111,579 77.4%
Interest $3,951 0.5% $790 0.5%
State Tax Revenues $3,260 0.5% $652 0.5%
Proposition 172 $156,087 21.6% $31,217 21.6%
Revenue total $721,192 100.0% $144,238 100.0%
The 2006-2011 Audit does not break revenues down by fiscal year.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 75
CHAPTER THREE: E. GONZALES RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Gonzales Rural Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Attributes
District Area (est. square miles) 58.4
Population (2010 estimated) 619
Assessed Valuation (FY 10-11: Includes both City and District) $394,151,256
None (Utilizes City
Number of Stations
Station)
Dispatch County (Through City)
ISO Public Protection Classification:
8B (5 in City)
Within 5 miles of a Station and with a Credible Source of Water
Without a Credible Source of Water 10
Regular Financial Audits Every 5 Years
Average Annual Revenue Per Capita (FY 06-07 to FY 10-11) $233
Average Portion of County 1% Property Tax Received 15¢/$1
Ending General Fund Balance (June 2011) $3,954
Change in General Fund Balance (from June 2006 to June 2011) 0%
Total Fund Balance/Annual Revenue Total (FY 10-11) 3%
Source: District area estimated utilizing County of Monterey GIS Data; Population estimated utilizing
2010 U. S. Census Data, Assessed Valuation and Portion of County Property Tax Received are from
County of Monterey Auditor-Controller’s Office; Fund Balance Information from District Audit; Other
information from District.
NOTE: The City of Gonzales which provided fire protection and emergency medical services to the
District covers approximately 1.98 acres and has a population of 8,187. A rating of 8B indicates that the
community meets the fundamental requirements for a classification better than Class 9, but does not
need to meet the water-supply requirement of 250 gpm for two hours necessary for Class 8 or better.
Types of Services
Fire X
Technical Rescue -
Basic Life Support (EMT) X
Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) -
Ambulance -
76 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: E. GONZALES RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Gonzales Rural Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Station
Address Acquired/Built Condition
325 Center Street,
Gonzales (City Fire 1969 Good
Department Station)
The Gonzales Rural Fire Protection District is contractually protected by the City of Gonzales Fire
Department which utilizes its own station, apparatus, and staffing.
Total Calls for Service - City of Gonzales
900 844
800
700
600
s 488
lla 500 443
C
la
400
t
o
T
300
200
100
0
FY 2008-09 FY 2009-10 FY 2010-11
Source: County Department of Emergency Communications (911 System) Data.
Note: The above information includes all calls for service received by the City of Gonzales Fire
Department for services within both the City and the Gonzales Rural FPD. Also, this table
tabulates calls referred to the District for primary response. Additional calls are referred - and
responded to - for mutual and automatic aid.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 77
CHAPTER THREE: E. GONZALES RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Gonzales Rural Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Calls for Service - City of Gonzales
FY 2010 - 2011
800
85%
700
600
500
400
300
200
9%
100
1 1% 1% 3% 0%
0
Medical Vegetation Structure Fire Other Fire Haz-Mat/FMS Other
Emergency Fire
Source: County Department of Emergency Communications (911 System) Data.
Note: The above information includes all calls for service received by the City of Gonzales
Fire Department for services within both the City and the Gonzales Rural FPD.
78 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
F. Greenfield Fire Protection District
Address: P.O. Box 3110, Greenfield, CA 93927
380 Oak Avenue, Greenfield, CA 93927
Phone: 831/674‐5484
Fax: 831/674‐5895
Email: chieffoster@hotmail.com
Fire Chief: Rich Foster
SUMMARY
The Greenfield Fire Protection District provides services to residents of the City of Greenfield
and the surrounding rural area. It is the only special district in the County to serve as the
primary fire protection provider within the boundaries of a city. The District contains almost 46
square miles with a population of approximately 17,000 people. The District provides service
through its own station and apparatus. The District is staffed by both full time career and
volunteer firefighters. The District receives approximately $33 per resident and has recently
seen its expenses exceed revenues. The District has financial procedures in place to ensure the
preparation of timely agency audits. The Greenfield FPD is exploring options to ensure that it
will be able to continue to meet the area’s growing needs for service. The District maintains an
ISO Public Protection Classification of 5 within five miles of station when there is a credible
source of water for firefighting. The District boundaries and Sphere of Influence are the same,
and there is little room to expand because the District is substantially surrounded by other fire
protection districts.
BACKGROUND
The Greenfield Fire Protection District has provided fire protection service in and around the
City of Greenfield since its formation in 1940, seven years before the City’s incorporation. It is
the only special district in Monterey County that provides these services within a city’s
boundaries. The City of Greenfield does not have a fire department and therefore relies on the
District to provide these services. The District’s single fire station is located on Oak Avenue, just
east of Highway 101, within the city limits.
The District contains more residents than any other fire protection district in the County,
except for the North County and Monterey County Regional FPDs. There is also significant
population growth projected. Between 2000 and 2010, the City grew faster than any other
Salinas Valley city: an increase of 29% from 12,648 to 16,330 and the City-approved General Plan
calls for an eventual City population of 37,000. Although population growth has slowed due to
the current economy, changing growth patterns, and concerns for the protection of prime
agricultural land, the City is still likely to grow significantly.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 79
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City Limits
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LAFCO of Monterey County Ü FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
GREENFIELD
FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
0 0.5 1 1.5
P.O. Box 1369 132 W. Gabilan St., Suite 102 2012 Municipal Services Review
S Te a l l e in p a h s o , n C e A ( 8 9 3 3 1 9 ) 0 7 2 54-5838 FA S X a li ( n 8 a 3 s 1 , ) C 7 A 54 9 -5 3 8 9 3 0 1 1 Miles Map Produced on 10/11/2011
80 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: F. GREENFIELD FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
OPERATIONS
The Greenfield FPD has changed significantly in the past 15 years. Over this period the number
of annual calls received by the District has increased from approximately 200 a year to almost
1,000, excluding calls for mutual and automatic aid. The majority of these calls are medical;
some of the increase in medical calls may be attributed to the City’s discontinuation of training
police officers as emergency medical service providers. While the District had an all-volunteer
firefighting force until around eight years ago, the force now contains 4 full time firefighters and
23 paid call volunteers. All paid staff and around one half of the volunteers are certified
emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
The Greenfield FPD’s per capita annual revenues are the lowest of all fire protection districts in
the County, at $33 a person. The District receives approximately 40% of these revenues from a
voter-approved benefits assessment. The District receives only three cents for every dollar
received by the County for the 1% property tax. Property tax still constitutes approximately
30% of the District’s revenue.
The District is operating under tight fiscal constraints. This fiscal situation encouraged District
leaders to propose, and voters to approve, an increase in benefit assessments in 2009. These
monies can be used for fire protection, but not medical services.
While moving from an all-volunteer force to a mixed force of career and volunteer firefighters
has improved the District’s abilities, it has come at a fiscal cost. From June 2007 to June 2009,
an audit shows that the District’s general fund balance dropped from $475,960 to $104,184. The
District estimates that this balance was depleted and was $10,000 in deficit at the beginning of
July 2011. The District is now in the process of bringing expenditures in line with revenues.. For
example, the District recently completed a five year contract with firefighters which reduced the
District’s unfunded liabilities. The District anticipates a fund balance of approximately $25,000
by June 2012.
Data provided by the District to the State Controller indicates that the District carried a long
term debt of $564,000 on June 30, 2010. $421,000 of this debt was for the purchase of fire truck
and $143, 000 was for construction of the District’s station. In January 2012, the District made
its last annual payment on the fire station which retired that portion of the debt. The
completion of this payment schedule relieves the District of approximately $80,000 a year in
required expenditures.
The District maintains an ISO Public Protection Classification of 5 within five miles of the
station when there is a credible source of water and 9 when there is not a credible source of
water. The District has two firefighters on duty eight hours a day, five days a week. One
firefighter is on duty at night and on weekends. These firefighters are then supplemented with
paid call volunteers. The District responds to approximately two calls a month with only a
single firefighter, which the Districts states is adequate for most medical calls. The average
District response within the City is under six minutes, outside the City it is 7 minutes, 40
seconds.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 81
CHAPTER THREE: F. GREENFIELD FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
The District participates in mutual aid throughout the County, and maintains automatic aid
agreements with the City of Soledad for structure fires, wildland fires, and freeway accidents.
The District Board of Directors is composed of five Members who are elected to four-year terms.
If there are no candidates, or if the number of candidates equals the number of eligible seats, the
County Board of Supervisors will appoint Directors. The Board meets at the firehouse on the
third Tuesday of each month. The District does not maintain a website.
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE & BOUNDARIES
The Sphere of Influence of the Greenfield Fire Protection District and its boundaries are the
same. A map of the District’s Sphere of Influence and boundaries can be seen at the beginning of
this profile. No changes are anticipated to the District’s Sphere or boundaries.
The District has expressed concerns about the fiscal impact of additional City expansion and
development. While City annexations do not trigger detachment from the District, increased
development increases fire protection needs.
82 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: F. GREENFIELD FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Greenfield Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
District Formation and Duties
Formation Date 1940
Fire Protection District Law of 1961, Health & Safety
Legal Authority
Code, section 13800 et seq.
Five Directors elected to four-year terms through at-large
elections. If the number of candidates equals the number
Board of Directors of eligible seats, or if there are no candidates, the Board of
Supervisors shall make these appointments pursuant to
Elections Code section 10515.
Agency Duties Fire Protection / Emergency Medical Services
District Revenues
2007-2008 2008-2009
Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
Property Tax $162,677 33.4% $164,015 29.2%
Benefit Assessments $196,607 40.4% $219,710 39.1%
Impact Fees $72,112 14.8% $32,056 5.7%
Proposition 172 Funds $33,580 6.9% $31,292 5.6%
Interest $14,254 2.9% $2,688 0.5%
Other $7,690 1.6% $24,587 4.4%
Grant Revenue - - $94,988 16.9%
Monterey County Allocated Loss - - -$7,104 -1.3%
Revenue total $486,920 100.0% $562,232 100.0%
At the time this Review was written the biennial Fiscal Year 2009-10 and 2010-11 audit was not yet completed or
available.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 83
CHAPTER THREE: F. GREENFIELD FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Greenfield Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Attributes
District Area (est. square miles) 45.9
Population (2010 estimated) 16,986
Assessed Valuation (FY 10-11) $724,780,636
Number of Stations 1
Dispatch County
ISO Public Protection Classification:
Within 5 miles of a Station and with a Credible Source of Water 5
Without a Credible Source of Water 9
Regular Financial Audits Biennial
Average Annual Revenue Per Capita (FY 08-09) $33
Average Portion of County 1% Property Tax Received 3¢/$1
Ending General Fund Balance (June 2009) $104,184
Change in General Fund Balance (from June 2007 to June 2009) -78%
Total Fund Balance/Annual Revenue Total (FY 08-09) 19%
Source: District area estimated utilizing County of Monterey GIS Data; Population estimated utilizing
2010 U. S. Census Data, Assessed Valuation and Portion of County Property Tax Received are from
County of Monterey Auditor-Controller’s Office; Fund Balance Information from District Audit; Other
information from District.
Types of Services
Fire X
Technical Rescue -
Basic Life Support (EMT) X
Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) -
Ambulance -
Station
Address Acquired/Built Condition
380 Oak Avenue,
1998 Good
Greenfield
84 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: F. GREENFIELD FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Greenfield Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Apparatus
2 Type I Engines
Engines
1 Type III Engine
1 Command Vehicle
Utility
1 Patrol Vehicle
Total Staffing
Full time fire suppression 4
Temporary fire suppression 0
Volunteer / Paid call firefighters 23
Non-safety regular 0
Total Calls for Service - Greenfield FPD
1200
984
1000 919 905
800
s
lla
C
la
600
t
o
T
400
200
0
FY 2008-09 FY 2009-10 FY 2010-11
Source: County Department of Emergency Communications (911 System) Data.
Note: This table tabulates calls referred to the District for primary response. Additional
calls are referred - and responded to - for mutual and automatic aid.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 85
CHAPTER THREE: F. GREENFIELD FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Greenfield Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Calls for Service - Greenfield FPD
FY 2010 - 2011
800
68%
700
600
500
400
300 22%
200
6%
100
2% 2% 0
0
Medical Vegetation Structure Fire Other Fire Haz-Mat/FMS Other
Emergency Fire
Source: County Department of Emergency Communications (911 System) Data.
86 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
G. Mission Soledad Rural Fire Protection District
Administrative Office: 2221 Garden Road, Monterey, CA 93940 (CAL FIRE)
Phone: 831/333-2600
Fax: 831/333-2660
Email: Rick.Hutchinson@fire.ca.gov
Website: www.ci.soledad.ca.us/index.aspx?nid=169 (City of Soledad FD)
Unit Fire Chief: Richard C. Hutchinson, Jr.
SUMMARY
The Mission Soledad Rural Fire Protection District protects approximately 1,100 people who
live in the 60 square miles surrounding the City of Soledad. The District contracts with the City
to provide fire protection service within District boundaries. The District provides
approximately $200,000 a year to the City in compensation for these services. This simple
relationship allows rural residents to receive services through the City Fire Department. It is
assumed that this relationship will continue into the future. In 2011, the Soledad City Council
recently voted to disband the City-employed firefighting force and to contract with CAL FIRE
for services to both City and District residents. The District has financial procedures in place to
ensure the preparation of timely agency audits. The City maintains an ISO Public Protection
Classification of 4. The ISO Rating for the Mission Soledad Rural FPD is 9/10. The District
boundary and Sphere of Influence are the same and the District does not have immediate plans
for expansion.
BACKGROUND
The Mission Soledad Rural Fire Protection District was formed in 1950 for the purpose of
providing fire protection service to the rural areas surrounding the City of Soledad. The District
contains an estimated population of 1,143 residents and an area of approximately sixty square
miles. Significant increases in the District’s population is not expected, as population growth in
the area will likely be accomplished through annexation to the City of Soledad, and detachment
from the District.
The Mission Soledad Rural FPD contracts with the City of Soledad to provide service within the
District’s boundaries. The City population in 2010 was listed in the U. S. Census at 25,738. Of
this total population, the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) fire department provides the
primary firefighting response for the estimated 10,000 incarcerated men within CTF and Salinas
Valley State Prison, both of which are within the city limits.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 87
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LAFCO of Monterey County Ü FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS
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LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
MISSION SOLEDAD RURAL
FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
0 1 2 3
P.O. Box 1369 132 W. Gabilan St., Suite 102 2012 Municipal Services Review
Salinas, CA 93902 Salinas, CA 93901 Miles
Telephone (831) 754-5838 FAX (831) 754-5831 Map Produced on 10/11/2011
88 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: G. MISSION SOLEDAD FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
OPERATIONS
The City of Soledad provides fire protection service to the Mission Soledad Rural FPD through a
fifteen year agreement that was entered into in 1998. This agreement calls for the District to
provide all of its revenues to the City, less the amount needed for the District’s administrative
expenses. Property taxes are the District’s largest revenue source providing approximately 50%
of all revenues. A benefit assessment on parcels which was approved by voters in 1980
constitutes an additional 30% of the District’s annual revenues. As of June 30, 2009, the District
maintained $86,275 in unrestricted net assets. The District also has no long-term debt.
Until 2011, the City of Soledad was unique among southern Salinas Valley communities in
relying primarily on paid city firefighters. The City Fire Department has had a workforce of
three captains, 3 engineers, and 2 firefighters. This full time career force has been backed up by
17 paid call volunteer firefighters.
However, the provision of Soledad’s fire protection service recently changed. The City Council
approved a contract for services with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE) in August 2011. CAL FIRE began phasing in its administration of the department in
October 2011. Through this contract CAL FIRE provides the management and personnel needed
to provide fire protection and emergency medical services to the City and the surrounding
Mission Soledad Rural FPD. The City, with the District’s financial support, continues to
provide the fire station, apparatus, and equipment.
The number of firefighters has decreased to five with the new CAL FIRE management. The
longer duty shifts employed by CAL FIRE – 72-hour shifts versus the City’s 56-hour shifts –
allow CAL FIRE to maintain constant two-person staffing of the engine company with fewer
firefighters. All of the firefighters that had been employed by the City became CAL FIRE
employees, although some were assigned to other CAL FIRE locations. The City estimates that
this change will save the City approximately $200,000 a year. This will be the first city in
Monterey County to contract for services with CAL FIRE, although CAL FIRE contracts with
other cities in the State and with five Monterey County special districts.
The City fire station handles approximately 1,600 to 1,900 calls a year, excluding calls for mutual
and automatic aid. Approximately 72% of all calls are for medical emergencies, with assistance
in the Rural Fire Protection District primarily provided to elderly rural residents and
agricultural workers.
The City acknowledges the need to ensure the timely replacement of fire equipment and for
capital improvements to the existing fire station. Funds are not currently being set aside for
these programs due to budget shortfalls.
The City participates in the State mutual aid system and has automatic aid agreements with the
City of Gonzales, the Greenfield Fire Protection District, and the State Correctional Training
Facility fire department.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 89
CHAPTER THREE: G. MISSION SOLEDAD RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
The importance of well-coordinated local fire protection and emergency services was
dramatized, in April 2009, when a bus carrying French tourists overturned on a Soledad
highway overpass. The Soledad Fire Department was first on the scene, approximately three
minutes after the call was received. Within a short amount of time the Soledad fire chief and a
lieutenant from the California Highway Patrol formed a unified incident command operation.
The fire crew started a triage to identify victims by the category and seriousness of their injuries.
All 36 people on the bus were injured, 23 of these sustained major injuries. Three of those with
major injuries died at the scene of the accident; two others died later from their injuries.
Seventeen fire engines from neighboring fire agencies responded to this multi-casualty incident.
The Emergency Services Agency of the County contacted Central Coastal medical facilities to
determine their availability. Within ninety minutes every victim was transported. All together
the services of fourteen ground ambulances and eight helicopter ambulances were needed.
The existing fifteen year agreement between the District and the City of Soledad was entered
into on September 3, 1998. The City’s CAL FIRE contract is not expected to change the
relationship between the City of Soledad and the Mission Soledad Rural Fire Protection
District.
The Board of Directors of the Mission Soledad Fire Protection District is made up of five
Directors who are appointed to four-year terms by the County Board of Supervisors. The Board
of Directors meets quarterly. While the District does not maintain a website, information on
fire protection and EMS activities can be found on a website maintained by the City of Soledad.
However, this website does not contain information on District Board Members or meetings.
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE & BOUNDARIES
The Sphere of Influence of the Mission Soledad Rural FPD is identical to the District’s
boundaries, which abut the Gonzales Rural FPD on the north and the Greenfield FPD on the
south. The eastern and western boundaries of the District extend into the State Responsibility
Area. A map of the District’s Sphere of Influence and boundaries can be seen at the beginning of
this profile. The District board is not currently planning to expand the District Sphere of
Influence.
District boundaries will be reduced if the City of Soledad annexes surrounding parcels. While
the detachment of land through city annexations is a common concern to many fire protection
districts, the financial and service arrangements between the Mission Soledad Rural FPD and
the City make these changes revenue and service neutral.
90 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: G. MISSION SOLEDAD FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Mission Soledad Rural Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
District Formation and Duties
Formation Date 1950
Fire Protection District Law of 1961, Health & Safety
Legal Authority
Code, section 13800 et seq.
Five Directors appointed to four-year terms by the
Board of Directors
Monterey County Board of Supervisors.
Agency Duties Fire Protection / Emergency Medical Services
District Revenues (Two Year Periods)
2005-2007 2007-2009
Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
Property Tax $205,707 50.7% $209,227 51.5%
Benefit Assessments $122,246 30.1% $125,714 30.9%
Proposition 172 Funds $60,907 15.0% $64,526 15.9%
Interest $15,767 3.9% $9,396 2.3%
State Tax Revenues & Other Income $1,167 0.3% $1,237 0.3%
Monterey County Allocated Loss - - ($3,687) -0.9%
Revenue total $405,794 100.0% $406,413 100.0%
Source: Mission Soledad Rural FPD, Basic Financial Statements for the Two Years Ending June 30, 2007
(and for the Two Years Ending June 30, 2009) and Independent Auditors’ Report: Statement of Revenues,
Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances and Statement of Activities.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 91
CHAPTER THREE: G. MISSION SOLEDAD RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Mission Soledad Rural Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Attributes
District Area (est. square miles) 59.6
Population (2010 estimated) 1,143
Assessed Valuation (FY 10-11: Includes both City and District) $624,014,562
None (Utilizes City
Number of Stations
Station)
Dispatch CAL FIRE (Through City)
ISO Public Protection Classification:
Within 5 miles of a Station and with a Credible Source of Water 9 (4 in City)
Without a Credible Source of Water 10
Regular Financial Audits Biennial
Annual Revenue Per Capita (FYs 07-09) $178
Average Portion of County 1% Property Tax Received 8¢/$1
Ending General Fund Balance (June 2009) $86,275
Change in General Fund Balance (from June 2007 to June 2009) -5%
Total Fund Balance/Annual Revenue Total (FY 08-09) 21%
Source: District area estimated utilizing County of Monterey GIS Data; Population estimated utilizing
2010 U. S. Census Data, Assessed Valuation and Portion of County Property Tax Received are from
County of Monterey Auditor-Controller’s Office; Fund Balance Information from District Audit; Other
information from District.
NOTE: The City of Soledad, which provided fire protection and emergency medical services to the
District, covers approximately 4.6 acres and has a population of 25,738. Dispatch will change from the
County to CAL FIRE on January 1, 2012.
Types of Services
Fire X
Technical Rescue X
Basic Life Support (EMT) X
Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) -
Ambulance -
92 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: G. MISSION SOLEDAD FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Mission Soledad Rural Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Station
Address Acquired/Built Condition
525 Monterey Street,
Soledad (City Fire 1950 Good
Department Station)
The Mission Soledad Rural Fire Protection District is contractually protected by
the City of Soledad Fire Department which utilizes its own station and
apparatus, and provides for staffing through direct hire or contract.
Total Calls for Service - City of Soledad
2000 1815 1876
1800 1611
1600
1400
s 1200
lla
C
la
1000
t
o 800
T
600
400
200
0
FY 2008-09 FY 2009-10 FY 2010-11
Source: County Department of Emergency Communications (911 System) Data.
Note: The above information includes all calls for service received by the Soledad Fire
Department for services within both the City and the Mission Soledad Rural FPD. Also, this
table tabulates calls referred to the District for primary response. Additional calls are
referred - and responded to - for mutual and automatic aid.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 93
CHAPTER THREE: G. MISSION SOLEDAD RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Mission Soledad Rural Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Calls for Service - City of Soledad
FY 2010 - 2011
1400
77%
1200
1000
800
600
400 17%
200
1% 2% 3% 0
0
Medical Vegetation Structure Fire Other Fire Haz-Mat/FMS Other
Emergency Fire
Source: County Department of Emergency Communications (911 System) Data.
Note: The above information includes all calls for service received by the Soledad Fire
Department for services within both the City and the Mission Soledad Rural FPD.
94 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
H. Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District
Address: 19900 Portola Drive, Salinas, CA 93908
Phone: 831/455‐1828
Fax: 831/455‐0646
Email: murquides@mcrfd.org
Website: www.mcrfd.org
Fire Chief: Mike Urquides
SUMMARY
The Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District covers approximately 361 square miles
of Monterey County from the rural area north of the City of Salinas south to the Federal Ventana
Wilderness and the outskirts of the City of Gonzales, from the former Fort Ord on the west to
the San Benito County line in the east. This area is the home of over 31,000 people. The District
provides its own stations, equipment, and staffing. The District receives revenues of
approximately $377 per resident, and has an increasing fund balance. The Monterey County
Regional FPD has financial procedures in place to ensure the preparation of timely agency
audits. The District maintains an ISO Public Protection Classification of 5 within five miles of a
station. The District has grown substantially in the past few years through annexation and
consolidation with the Carmel Valley FPD. As the successor of the Carmel Valley FPD, the
Monterey County Regional FPD provides ambulance service to Carmel Valley residents. The
District’s current boundaries and Sphere of Influence are identical, and no changes are
anticipated except for minor mapping corrections.
BACKGROUND
The boundaries of the Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District include a large area
surrounding the City of Salinas, eastward to the boundaries of the Cities of Marina, Seaside, and
Monterey, and into Carmel Valley. It provides service through six stations spread throughout
the District’s boundaries.
The District began as the Salinas Rural Fire Protection District in 1934. A major realignment of
fire protection district boundaries in northern Monterey County occurred in 1982 when the area
around Prunedale was detached from the Salinas Rural FPD and the District assumed
responsibilities for the Chualar area south of Salinas. In 2008, the District completed the
annexation of over 15,000 acres that were wholly or partially surrounded by the District. In late
2009, the District changed its name to the Monterey County Regional FPD. In late 2010,
LAFCO approved a consolidation of the Carmel Valley FPD into the District, which became
effective on July 1, 2011.
Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District
LAFCO
of Monterey County 95
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LAFCO of Monterey County FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS
MONTEREY COUNTY REGIONAL
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
×Ñ
FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
P.O. Box 1369 132 W. Gabilan St., Suite 102 0 2 4 Last LAFCO-Approved Change: 07/01/2011
Salinas, CA 93902 Salinas, CA 93901 2012 Municipal Services Review
Telephone (831) 754-5838 FAX (831) 754-5831 Miles Map Produced on 10/11/2011
96 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: H. MONTEREY COUNTY REGIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
When the two Districts consolidated, the successor Monterey County Regional FPD continued
to operate with a board of directors appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The Carmel
Valley FPD had previously operated with an elected board. A major factor in staying with an
appointed board is the cost of elections, which have been projected at approximately $80,000 to
$120,000 per election.
More people, an estimated 32,000, live in the Monterey County Regional FPD than any other fire
protection district in the County, except for the North County FPD. The Monterey County
Regional FPD also covers a larger geographic area, an estimated 361 square miles, than any other
district, except for the South Monterey County FPD. Significant growth is projected for some of
the suburban areas of the District and for the East Garrison area within the former Fort Ord.
OPERATIONS
The Monterey County Regional FPD has been in an expansion and stabilization mode over the
last few years. In January 2009, the District began providing management assistance to the
Carmel Valley FPD. This arrangement resulted in the consolidation of the two Districts which
became effective on July 1, 2011. The consolidation was designed to increase efficiencies and to
facilitate the continued provision of the current level of services. The Consolidated Service Plan
outlined a number of savings that would be experienced through a sharing of administrative
staff and equipment. These cost savings were especially high in Carmel Valley, where, in the
2011-12 Fiscal Year, property owners and residents are expected to save at least $625,000
through reduced costs for administrative services, retirement (PERS and Social Security)
payments, overtime, election costs and an updated radio communications system.
When the consolidation of the two Districts was approved in 2010, LAFCO also approved the
annexation of approximately 12,500 acres to the Carmel Valley FPD which became effective
prior to consolidation. This reorganization occurred only two years after the annexation of
approximately 15,000 acres to the Monterey County Regional FPD.
The consolidated District receives approximately 2,100 annual primary response calls for service.
In Fiscal Year 2010-11, 10% of these calls were fire related and 59% were for emergency medical
services. The remaining 31% were a variety of other requests for service.
The District’s normal response to a structure fire includes the three closest on-duty engines, a
chief officer and two water tenders. Off-duty personnel and/or volunteers also respond. If help
from neighboring fire agencies is needed, fire engines from agencies closest to the incident will
be dispatched through mutual aid agreements.
The District contracts with the City of Salinas to provide fire protection and emergency medical
services to approximately 35 square miles of the northern corner of the District. This allows a
reduced response time for these areas, which include Bolsa Knolls, Boronda, and the area along
Old Stage Road to Williams Road.
All of the District’s engines carry a full complement of advanced life support medical and rescue
equipment. This equipment includes the "Jaws of Life" and a semi-automatic defibrillator, which
LAFCO
of Monterey County 97
CHAPTER THREE: H. MONTEREY COUNTY REGIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
is used to attempt to shock the heart back into a proper beating rhythm. All of the District’s
personnel are Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and 25 are currently trained as
Paramedics. These skilled professionals can provide advanced medical skills such as airway
management and the administration of medication.
Carmel Valley has had a fire protection district-administered ambulance services since 1948,
which predates the establishment of countywide ambulance services. State law grants the
successor Monterey County Regional FPD the rights to continue these services within the
boundaries of the former Carmel Valley FPD. The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea is the only other
local agency with ambulance powers separate from those of the County. Through 2011, the
systems in Carmel Valley and the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea operated jointly through “Carmel
Regional Fire Ambulance.” At that time the joint powers authority dissolved and the two
systems became fully separate.
The Monterey County Regional FPD houses ambulances at the fire stations at Mid-Valley,
Carmel Valley Village, and Laureles Grade Stations. In addition to serving Carmel Valley, the
District provides ambulance service to the Cachagua and Hidden Hills areas under contract
with the County ambulance provider, American Medical Response-West (AMR). This
contractual arrangement is beneficial because the Monterey County Regional FPD can respond
with ambulances to these areas more rapidly than AMR.
The two predecessor Districts experienced a 93% increase in fund balance in the two fiscal years
ending in June 2010. Over this period the Carmel Valley FPD’s budget was augmented by a
$770,000 grant through the Federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response
(“SAFER”) program. Public support for supporting the District was shown by the approval of a
special tax measure to support the ambulance service. “Measure F” was approved by 85% of the
voters of the Carmel Valley FPD on August 25, 2009.
At the end of Fiscal Year 2009-10, the Monterey County Regional FPD carried a long-term debt
of $1,076,000 for construction of its Administrative Office. The Carmel Valley FPD carried a
debt of just under $1.5 million, primarily for a building lease. This long-term debt from Carmel
Valley is now the responsibility of the successor Monterey County Regional FPD.
The District has an ISO Public Protection Classification of 5 for properties within five miles of a
station when there is a credible source of water. The insurance industry normally requires that
a property be located within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant to receive the lower insurance rates of a
good ISO rating. Property owners within the Monterey County Regional FPD receive these
rates even though they may not have a nearby hydrant because of the District’s use of water
tenders to bring additional water to a fire.
The District participates in mutual aid throughout the State, and maintains automatic aid
agreements with all surrounding fire protection providers, including the cities of Gonzales,
Marina, Monterey, and Salinas, the North County FPD, the Monterey Peninsula Airport District,
the Spreckels Volunteer Fire Company, the Presidio of Monterey Fire Department, the U. S.
Forest Service, and CAL FIRE.
98 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: H. MONTEREY COUNTY REGIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
The work of the Monterey County Regional FPD is supported by approximately 36 volunteer
firefighters. The District also provides programs for the community including public safety
programs for youth, training for disaster preparedness, an Explorer Boy Scout post, and a
holiday toy drive.
The District is concerned about a continuing decrease in property values, upon which taxes are
based, and the diversion of local revenues by the State. The District is also concerned that it
receives no property tax revenues from the thousands of acres it has annexed unless the base
assessed property value of these areas increase. This fact means that the District provides direct
service to many areas, such as Chualar, where it receives virtually no property tax proceeds.
The District foresees a need for the construction of permanent sleeping quarters at the Santa
Lucia Preserve Station. An additional station is needed, and planned, in the East Garrison Area
once the approved development for this area commences. The dissolution of the County
Redevelopment Agency may jeopardize the availability of tax increment financing for this
construction.
The Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District Board of Directors has seven Members
appointed by the County Board of Supervisors to four-year terms. Board Meetings are held on
the last Tuesday of each odd numbered month, unless scheduled otherwise. The meeting
locations are rotated between facilities of the former Salinas Rural and Carmel Valley Fire
Protection Districts. The District maintains a website which includes the names of Directors,
and their terms, and agendas for upcoming Board meetings.
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE & BOUNDARIES
The District currently has no Sphere of Influence beyond its boundaries. The District’s
boundaries were solidified through the consolidation and annexations that occurred from 2008
through 2011. A map of the District’s Sphere of Influence and boundaries can be seen at the
beginning of this profile. One area that was excluded from these annexations was a portion of
the former Fort Ord that is planned to be transferred to the U. S. Bureau of Land Management
for open space. Consideration of the inclusion of this area within the District’s Sphere of
Influence awaits the U. S. Army’s clearing of buried munitions. This area is currently a Federal
Responsibility Area.
No significant boundary changes are anticipated although conversations are continuing between
LAFCO and District staff concerning minor technical adjustments where boundaries do not
reflect property ownership lines. In the future, the District will be reduced in size, as portions of
the District are annexed to the cities of Salinas, Seaside, Marina, and Monterey. In some cases
these District detachments may cause a financial hardship to the District, unless mitigated. An
existing LAFCO policy discourages proposals causing adverse financial impacts on the provision
of government services. This policy may support financial mitigation to compensate for future
District detachments.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 99
CHAPTER THREE: H. MONTEREY COUNTY REGIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
District Formation and Duties
Formation Date 1934
Fire Protection District Law of 1961, Health & Safety
Legal Authority
Code, section 13800 et seq.
Seven Directors appointed to four-year terms by the
Board of Directors
Monterey County Board of Supervisors.
Agency Duties Fire Protection / Emergency Medical Services
100 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: H. MONTEREY COUNTY REGIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Carmel Valley FPD General Fund Revenues
2008-2009 2009-2010
Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
Property Tax $3,079,414 67.1% $2,897,749 67.0%
Fire Protection Tax $314,872 6.9% $331,798 7.7%
Proposition 172 Allocation $313,993 6.8% $271,050 6.3%
Homeowners Property Tax Relief $16,260 0.4% $17,025 0.4%
Sale of Fixed Assets $26,776 0.6% $5,100 0.1%
Investment Earnings (Losses) ($8,333) -0.2% $2,404 0.1%
Others $845,586 18.4% $802,721 18.5%
Total General Revenues $4,588,568 100.0% $4,327,847 100.0%
Source: Carmel Valley FPD, Financial Statements for the Years Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 and
Independent Auditors’ Reports: Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances
and Statement of Activities.
Monterey County Regional FPD General Fund Revenues
2008-2009 2009-2010
Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
Property Taxes $6,115,984 76.7% $5,864,673 77.6%
Public Safety Revenues $448,863 5.6% $373,750 4.9%
Reimbursements - Overtime &
$1,249,159 15.7% $709,020 9.4%
Equipment
Fire Mitigation Fees $40,733 0.5% $69,000 0.9%
Fire Prevention Fees $28,748 0.4% $34,407 0.5%
Capital Grants $72,831 0.9% $327,492 4.3%
Investment Earnings (loss) ($8,427) -0.1% $23,289 0.3%
Miscellaneous $29,736 0.4% $152,440 2.0%
Total General Revenues $7,977,627 100.0% $7,554,071 100.0%
Source: Salinas Rural FPD, Basic Financial Statements for the Year Ended June 30, 2009 and Independent
Auditors’ Report; and Monterey County Regional FPD, Basic Financial Statements for the Year Ended June
30, 2010 and Independent Auditors’ Report: Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in Fund
Balances and Statement of Activities.
Note: Financial information is presented separately for the Carmel Valley FPD and the Monterey County
Regional FPD. The consolidation of these two Districts was effective July 1, 2011. Prior to 2009 the
Monterey County Regional FPD was known as the Salinas Rural FPD.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 101
CHAPTER THREE: H. MONTEREY COUNTY REGIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Attributes
District Area (est. square miles) 361
Population (2010 estimated) 31,508
Assessed Valuation (FY 10-11) $7,816,136,134
Number of Stations 6
Dispatch County
ISO Public Protection Classification:
Within 5 miles of a Station and with a Credible Source of Water 5
Without a Credible Source of Water 10
Regular Financial Audits Annual
Average Annual Revenue Per Capita (FY 09-10) $377
Average Portion of County 1% Property Tax Received 13¢/$1
Ending General Fund Balance (June 2010) $2,931,165
Change in General Fund Balance (from June 2008 to June 2010) 93%
Total Fund Balance/Annual Revenue Total (FY 09-10) 39%
Source: District area estimated utilizing County of Monterey GIS Data; Population estimated
utilizing 2010 U. S. Census Data, Assessed Valuation and Portion of County Property Tax
Received are from County of Monterey Auditor-Controller’s Office; Fund Balance Information
from District Audit; Other information from District.
Types of Services
Fire X
Technical Rescue X
Basic Life Support (EMT) X
Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) X
Ambulance X
Ambulance Service is available within the boundaries of the
former Carmel Valley Fire Protection District.
102 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: H. MONTEREY COUNTY REGIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Stations
Address Acquired/Built Condition
19900 Portola Drive,
1966 Good
Salinas
24281 Washington
1981 Good
Street, Chualar
31 Laureles Grade,
1990 Good
Salinas
8455 Carmel Valley
1976 Good
Road, Carmel Valley
26 Via Contenta,
1968 Fair
Carmel Valley
72 Rancho San
Carlos Road, Carmel
2004 Fair
(Santa Lucia
Preserve)
Apparatus
9 Structure Engines (Type I)
Engines
7 Wildland Engines (Type III)
Water Tenders 4 Water Tenders
4 Ambulances
Ambulance/Squads/
Rescue
2 Rescue All-Terrain Vehicles
Utility 9 Utility Vehicles
5 Chief Officers Command Vehicles
Special
2 Urban Search & Rescue Trailers
LAFCO
of Monterey County 103
CHAPTER THREE: H. MONTEREY COUNTY REGIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Total Staffing
Full time fire suppression 49
Temporary fire suppression
Volunteer / Paid call firefighters 36
Non-safety regular 4
Total Calls for Service
Monterey County Regional FPD
2500
2067 2092 2088
2000
s lla 1500
C
la
t o 1000
T
500
0
FY 2008-09 FY 2009-10 FY 2010-11
Source: County Department of Emergency Communications (911 System) Data.
Note: This table tabulates calls referred to the District for primary response.
Additional calls are referred - and responded to - for mutual and automatic aid.
104 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: H. MONTEREY COUNTY REGIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Calls for Service - Monterey County Regional FPD
FY 2010 - 2011
1400
59%
1200
1000
800
31%
600
400
200 6%
2% 2%
0%
0
Medical Veg Fire Structure Other Fire Haz Mat Other
Emergency Fire
Source: County Department of Emergency Communications (911 System) Data.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 105
CHAPTER THREE: H. MONTEREY COUNTY REGIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
[This page left blank intentionally.]
106 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
I. Monterey Peninsula Airport District
(Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services Only)
Address: 200 Fred Kane Drive, Suite 200, Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: 831/648-7000
Fax: 831/6487026
Email: tgreer@montereyairport.com
Website: www.montereyairport.com
General Manager: Thomas E. Greer, AAE
SUMMARY
The Monterey Peninsula Airport District provides fire protection and emergency medical
services on the site of the Monterey Regional Airport, which covers an area of approximately 0.8
of a square mile. The District meets its firefighting and EMS needs directly through its own
staffing and equipment. Airport firefighters are specifically trained to provide the specialized
emergency services required for an airport by Federal law. The Monterey Peninsula Airport
District provides funds from its overall budget to ensure that these responsibilities are met. The
District has financial procedures in place to ensure the preparation of timely agency audits. The
District participates in automatic and mutual aid with area fire agencies, and has developed a
close working relationship with the Cypress FPD. The District maintains an ISO Public
Protection Classification of 4. Only one special district in Monterey County has a better ISO
Rating.
The current report addresses the fire protection and emergency medical services provided by the
Airport District. It discusses, but does not update, the District’s Sphere of Influence. A Sphere
update will be provided as part of a future review of all of the services provided by this multi-
service district.
BACKGROUND
The Monterey Peninsula Airport was formed as the first airport district in California by the
State Legislature in 1941. The Airport District includes all or portions of Monterey, Pacific
Grove, Del Monte Forest, Pebble Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, greater Carmel, Del Rey Oaks,
Seaside, Sand City, the Monterey-Salinas Highway to Laureles Grade, and the west end of
Carmel Valley. The District changed the name of the airport it operates from the
“Monterey Peninsula Airport” to the “Monterey Regional Airport” in 2011 to reflect the
airport’s regional role.
The area within the District’s boundaries is served by firefighters from several cities and
districts. The airport’s 498 acres, however, are served by the Airport District’s fire department.
The District is responsible for the airport property primarily because of the unique nature of
LAFCO
of Monterey County 107
|ÿ
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|ÿ
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MONTEREY DEL REY OAKS
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|ÿ
68
CARMEL BY-THE-SEA
|ÿ
1
City Limits
District Boundary
Note: Sphere of Influence and
District boundary are the same.
Ü
LAFCO of Monterey County AIRPORT DISTRICT
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
MONTEREY PENINSULA
AIRPORT DISTRICT
0 2
P.O. Box 1369 132 W. Gabilan St., Suite 102 2012 Municipal Services Review
Salinas, CA 93902 Salinas, CA 93901
Telephone (831) 754-5838 FAX (831) 754-5831 Miles Map Produced: 3/14/12
108 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
DEL
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Monterey Regional Airport
City Limits
Ü
LAFCOof Monterey County
MONTEREY REGIONAL AIRPORT
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
Operated by the Monterey Peninsula Airport District
P.O. Box 1369 132 W. Gabilan St., Suite 102 0 1,000 2,000
2012 Municipal Services Review
Salinas, CA 93902 Salinas, CA 93901
Telephone (831) 754-5838 FAX (831) 754-5831 Feet Map Produced on 11/1/2011
FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE 109
CHAPTER THREE: I. MONTEREY PENINSULA AIRPORT DISTRICT
potential airport hazards and the requirements of federal regulations. Specifically, airports
serving air carrier aircraft with more than 30 seats are required to receive Federal Aviation
Authority certification under Part 139 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR Part 139).
This certification requires that the airport provide aircraft rescue and firefighting services
during air carrier operations.
OPERATIONS
The Airport District typically has four firefighters available on site during operations and
responds within three minutes to a call for service.
Airport firefighters are trained as emergency medical technicians. Over 90% of the calls for
service are for citizen assists in the airport terminal building, which would include individuals
experiencing trouble breathing or slipping and falling. Due to Federal air safety requirements
the airport must be staffed and prepared with specialized equipment to respond to aircraft
accidents and gasoline fires. The District has two crash trucks which feature good acceleration,
the ability to move on rough terrain outside the runway and airport area, a large water capacity,
a foam tank, and a high-capacity pump. The airport also operates a Type I fire engine for general
purpose use.
The Cypress Fire Protection District locates an additional Type I fire engine at the airport and
airport personnel use this truck to provide fire protection service to adjacent areas of the
Cypress District that can more effectively be responded to from the airport location. Cypress
pays for the overtime needed to provide this service with a 2-person engine response. Cypress
FPD has the ability to then follow up with paramedic response from its Carmel Hill station.
Discussions are continuing between the Airport District and Cypress FPD to determine if
additional firefighting cooperation would be beneficial. During these discussions were
underway, the Airport District changed its dispatch system from the County to CAL FIRE
effective October 1, 2011. CAL FIRE contractually staffs the Cypress FPD.
The Airport District received property tax revenues prior to 1968, but since then it has been
operating solely on it revenue. Expenses are recovered through airport rents from tenants,
landing and fuel fees, and other charges. Airport revenues are driven primarily by the number of
people flying and are therefore dependent upon use by the traveling public. Airline customers
have changed their travel and spending habits during the current economic recession and
general aviation has also been adversely affected.
Capital improvements are funded through Federal grants, passenger facility charges, and
District contributed funds. From June 2008 to June 2010 the District’s net assets increased by
almost $8.7 million to $54.1 million, while the cash and cash equivalents dropped from $3.3
million to $1.3 million. The District has no long-term debt.
Between Fiscal Years 2007-08 and 2009-10 expenditures for the District’s Fire Department
dropped from $1,950,293 to $1,752,156.
110 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: I. MONTEREY PENINSULA AIRPORT DISTRICT
The District Board of Directors is composed of five Members elected to four-year terms through
at-large elections. The Board meets on a monthly, and has additional meetings as needed. The
District maintains a website which contains information on District Directors, including their
terms. The website also includes budgets, audits, agendas, minutes, and packets for both
upcoming and past meetings.
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE & BOUNDARIES
The Monterey Peninsula Airport District boundaries cover a large area of the Monterey
Peninsula and Highway 68 corridor. The District’s provision of fire protection and emergency
medical services is limited to the airport property as shown in a map at the beginning of this
profile.
The current report addresses the fire protection and emergency medical services provided by the
Monterey Peninsula Airport District. It discusses, but does not update, the District’s Sphere of
Influence. A Sphere update will be provided as part of a future review of all of the services
provided by this multi-service district.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 111
CHAPTER THREE: I. MONTEREY PENINSULA AIRPORT DISTRICT
Monterey Peninsula Airport District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
District Formation and Duties
Formation Date 1941
Legal Authority California Senate Bill 1300, 1941.
Five Directors elected to four year terms through at-
large elections. If the number of candidates equals the
Board of Directors number of eligible seats, or if there are no candidates,
the Board of Supervisors shall make these appointments
pursuant to Elections Code section 10515.
Commercial Airline Services, General Aviation Support
Agency Duties and Maintenance, and Military Support as a Landing
Facility.
Operating Revenues (From All Sources)
2008-2009 2009-2010
Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
Commercial Aviation $549,943 7.8% $551,769 7.8%
General Aviation $221,657 3.1% $246,363 3.5%
Terminal Leases and Concessions $3,294,366 46.7% $3,320,296 46.7%
Heavy General Aviation Tenants $791,911 11.2% $817,334 11.5%
Light General/Other Aviation Tenants $425,803 6.0% $396,691 5.6%
Non-Aviation Tenants $1,538,193 21.8% $1,539,728 21.7%
Other Operating Revenue $230,278 3.3% $237,535 3.3%
TOTAL OPERATING REVENUES $7,052,151 100.0% $7,109,716 100.0%
Source: Monterey Peninsula Airport District, Financial Statements for the Years ended June 30, 2010 and
2009 and Independent Auditors’ Report: Statements of Revenues, Expenses and Changes in Net Assets.
Note: While the chart includes all revenues received by the Airport District, the operating funds
expended for the District’s Fire Department was $1,933,553 in Fiscal Year 2008-09 and $1,752,156 in
Fiscal Year 2009-10.
112 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: I. MONTEREY PENINSULA AIRPORT DISTRICT
Monterey Peninsula Airport District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Attributes
Airport area (est. square miles) 0.8
Population (2010 estimated) N/A
Assessed Valuation N/A
Number of stations 1
Dispatch CAL FIRE
ISO Public Protection Classification 4
Regular Financial Audits Annual
Annual Revenue Per Capita N/A
Cash and Cash Equivalents (June 2010) $1,341,569
Change in Total Fund Balance (from June 2008 to June 2010) -59%
Source: Airport area estimated utilizing County of Monterey GIS Data; Fund
Balance Information from District Audit; Other information from District.
Types of Services
Fire X
Technical Rescue X
Basic Life Support (EMT) X
Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) -
Ambulance -
Station
Address Acquired/Built Condition
Airport 1960’s Good
LAFCO
of Monterey County 113
CHAPTER THREE: I. MONTEREY PENINSULA AIRPORT DISTRICT
Monterey Peninsula Airport District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Apparatus
Engines One Type I Fire Engine
Ambulance/Squads/
Two Crash Vehicles
Rescue
Utility One Command Vehicle
The Cypress FPD additionally stations one Type I Fire Engine
at the Airport Fire Station.
Total Staffing
Full time fire suppression 12
Temporary fire suppression 0
Volunteer / Paid call firefighters 0
Non-safety regular Airport Staff
Total Calls for Service - Monterey Peninsula Airport District
300 280
260
250
250
200
s
lla
C
la
150
t
o
T
100
50
0
FY 2008-09 FY 2009-10 FY 2010-11
Source: County Department of Emergency Communications (911 System) Data.
Note: This table tabulates calls referred to the District for primary response. Additional
calls are referred - and responded to - for mutual and automatic aid.
114 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: I. MONTEREY PENINSULA AIRPORT DISTRICT
Monterey Peninsula Airport District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Calls for Service - Monterey Peninsula Airport District
FY 2010 - 2011
300
93%
250
200
150
100
50 6%
0 0 0 0
0
Medical Vegetation Structure Fire Other Fire Haz-Mat/FMS Other
Emergency Fire
Source: County Department of Emergency Communications (911 System) Data.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 115
CHAPTER THREE: I. MONTEREY PENINSULA AIRPORT DISTRICT
[This page left blank intentionally.]
116 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
J. North County Fire Protection District of Monterey County
Address: 11200 Speegle Street, Castroville, CA 95012
Phone: 831/633‐2578
Fax: 831/633‐2572
Email: c5200@ncfpd.org
Website: www.ncfpd.org
Fire Chief: Chris W. Orman
SUMMARY
The boundaries of the North County Fire Protection District cover approximately 122 square
miles of northern Monterey County. The District is home to an estimated 37,720 residents,
making North County the County’s most populous fire protection district. The District
provides service through its own stations, equipment, and staffing. The District receives
approximately $162 in annual revenues for each District resident, and is able to maintain a fund
balance of approximately one-third of its annual budget. The District has financial procedures
in place to ensure the preparation of timely agency audits. The North County FPD is the only
district outside of the Monterey Peninsula that maintains an ISO Rating of 4. The District has
grown since its founding 52 years ago, through a consolidation and numerous annexations.
Today, its boundaries and Sphere of Influence are identical and there is no discussion of
expansion.
BACKGROUND
The North County Fire Protection District serves the northern portion of Monterey County.
The District was originally formed as the Castroville Fire Protection District in 1949. The Moss
Landing, Elkhorn, and Hall areas were added to the District through a series of annexations in
the early 1970s. In 1982, the District received its new name and attained its current boundaries
with a reorganization that divided the northern portion of Monterey County between three fire
protection districts.
More people live in the North County Fire Protection District than any other fire protection
district in Monterey County. The growth potential in the District is substantial with an
estimated 1,500 vacant buildable residential lots and two areas that were targeted for growth by
the County’s redevelopment program.
OPERATIONS
The District is proactively working to secure its financial future through long range financial
planning, apparatus maintenance and replacement schedules, and the review of personnel needs,
schedules, and compensation levels. Most of the District’s general revenues come from ad
LAFCO
of Monterey County 117
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Pajaro SAN JUAN RD
Aromas
×Ñ
NORTH COUNTY FPD×Ñ Las Lomas
301 ELKHORN RD SAN BENITO COUNTY
HALL RD
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×Ñ
NORTH COUNTY FPD
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MARINA SALINAS
×Ñ ×Ñ District Boundary
Future Study Area
×Ñ
Note: Sphere of Influence and District
boundary are the same.
SEASIDE
LAFCO of Monterey County Ü PROPOSED FUTURE STUDY AREA
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
×Ñ NORTH COUNTY
FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
0 1 2 3
P.O. Box 1369 132 W. Gabilan St., Suite 102 2012 Municipal Services
Salinas, CA 93902 Salinas, CA 93901
Telephone (831) 754-5838 FAX (831) 754-5831 Miles Map Produced on 3/9/12
118 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: J. NORTH COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF MONTEREY COUNTY
valorem taxes on real estate and unsecured property. The District received special payments
from the power plant in Moss Landing to support fire protection service; these payments will
continue into 2013. Additional revenue is produced through inspections and fire mitigation fees
for new construction. The District has created specific reserves to replace needed apparatus and
facilities and to meet other obligations. The District has approximately $3.4 million in long-
term debt.
The District maintains its level of service through the creation and application of standards of
response coverage. These standards take into consideration everything from the appropriate
response to everyday accidents to the probability and consequence of large scale emergencies.
The District currently maintains an ISO Public Protection Classification of 4 for properties
within five miles of a station. The insurance industry normally requires that a property be
located within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant to receive the lower insurance rates of a good ISO
rating. All property owners within the North County FPD receive these rates, even if there is no
nearby hydrant, because of the District’s use of water tenders to bring additional water to a fire.
The District receives approximately 2,400 primary response calls a year for assistance, 1,500± of
which are medical calls. The District responds to many medical and other non-fire emergencies
due to four major highways (101, 156, 183, and 1), one railroad line, two rivers, nine miles of
beach/waterfront, harbor, and large electrical power generation plant that are located within the
District.
The District participates in mutual aid throughout the State, and maintains automatic aid
agreements with the cities of Marina, Salinas and Watsonville and the Aromas Tri-County and
Monterey County Regional FPDs.
All full time personnel and reserve firefighters are trained to the Emergency Medical Technician
(EMT) level.
The District has a depth of service through its use of a large pool of reserve firefighters which
provide additional personnel when needed. The District also provides training and support for
Rancho Cielo’s Wildfire Suppression Program. This program trains underserved youth in fire
behavior and suppression tactics, including fire line construction, progressive hose lays,
chainsaw use and safety, and prescribed fire operations.
The District is currently experiencing response delays in the Prunedale area due to road work
along Highway 101 which is being conducted as a part of the “Prunedale Improvement Program.”
Other District concerns include the aging of equipment and facilities and decreasing grant
opportunities.
The North County Fire Protection District Board of Directors is composed of five Directors
elected at-large to four-year terms. The District Board meets every third Tuesday of the month
at the Castroville Library, which is a block from the District’s main fire station. The District
maintains a website that contains information on District Directors, budgets, audits, agendas,
minutes, and packets for upcoming and past meetings.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 119
CHAPTER THREE: J. NORTH COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE & BOUNDARIES
The North County Fire Protection District currently has no Sphere of Influence beyond its
boundaries. A 2,500± acre island of land north of Marina is the only adjacent area that is outside
the boundaries of any fire protection agency. This island area is totally surrounded by the North
County FPD, the City of Marina, and, to a minor extent, the Monterey County Regional FPD.
This island contains most of the landfill disposal and material recovery facilities of the Monterey
Regional Waste Management District. A small portion of this property is already within the
boundaries of the North County FPD. The island also contains the regional wastewater
treatment plant of the Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency. The remainder of
the island is undeveloped, agricultural or grazing land. Most of the island is within the Sphere
of Influence of the City of Marina, although the landfill and wastewater treatment plant
properties are outside of the City’s Sphere. The entire island is outside the City’s voter approved
Urban Growth Boundary which limits growth and new development, along with required
community services, until 2020.
The immediate fire protection and emergency medical services needs of the landfill and
wastewater treatment plant are now being met through agreements between these districts and
the City of Marina. With these long-standing agreements, the City provides fire protection and
EMS services outside of its boundaries and Sphere of Influence.
The Executive Officer recommends that this island area be designated a Future Study Area for
the North County Fire Protection District. LAFCO’s “Policies and Procedures” define a Future
Study Area as “territory outside of an adopted Sphere of Influence that may warrant inclusion in
the Sphere in future years. Further study would have to be completed prior to inclusion.” The
North County FPD is in support of this study.
LAFCO will work with the North County FPD, the City of Marina, the Monterey Regional
Waste Management District, the Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency, and
other area landowners to determine if an expansion of the Fire Protection District’s Sphere of
Influence in this area is appropriate. This determination will be made based on the factors
outlined in Section 56425(e) of the Government Code, and in particular the present and
probable need for fire protection and emergency medical services in the area and the adequacy of
public services available.
A map of the District’s Sphere of Influence and boundaries, and the proposed Future Study Area,
can be seen at the beginning of this profile.
120 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: J. NORTH COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF MONTEREY COUNTY
North County Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
District Formation and Duties
Formation Date 1949
Fire Protection District Law of 1961, Health & Safety
Legal Authority
Code, section 13800 et seq.
Five Directors elected to four-year terms through at-
large elections. If the number of candidates equals the
Board of Directors number of eligible seats, or if there are no candidates,
the Board of Supervisors shall make these appointments
pursuant to Elections Code section 10515.
Agency Duties Fire Protection / Emergency Medical Services
District Revenues
2008-2009 2009-2010
Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
Property Tax $4,615,519 67.7% $4,248,590 69.5%
Use of Money & Property -$19,873 -0.3% $30,168 0.5%
Aid from Other Gov. Agencies $509,406 7.5% $444,677 7.3%
Charges for Current Services $53,155 0.8% $63,201 1.0%
Other Revenue $1,587,726 23.3% $1,243,557 20.3%
Fire Capital Facilities Fee
$74,642 1.1% $84,137 1.4%
(Special Revenue)
Revenue total $6,820,575 100.0% $6,114,330 100.0%
Source: North County Fire Protection District of Monterey County, Financial Statements and
Supplementary Information, June 30, 2010 and 2009: Statements of Revenues, Expenditures and
Changes in Fund Balances – Government Funds.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 121
CHAPTER THREE: J. NORTH COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
North County Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Attributes
District Area (est. square miles) 121.6
Population (2010 estimated) 37,720
Assessed Valuation (FY 10-11) $3,798,597,307
Number of Stations 3
Dispatch County
ISO Public Protection Classification:
Within 5 miles of a Station and with a Credible Source of Water 4
Without a Credible Source of Water 10
Regular Financial Audits Annual
Annual Revenue Per Capita (FY 09-10) $162
Average Portion of County 1% Property Tax Received 11¢/$1
Ending General Fund Balance (June 2010) $2,039,173
Change in General Fund Balance (from June 2009 to June 2010) -3%
Total Fund Balance/Annual Revenue Total (FY 09-10) 33%
Source: District area estimated utilizing County of Monterey GIS Data; Population
estimated utilizing 2010 U. S. Census Data, Assessed Valuation and Portion of County
Property Tax Received are from County of Monterey Auditor-Controller’s Office; Fund
Balance Information from District Audit; Other information from District.
Types of Services
Fire X
Technical Rescue X
Basic Life Support (EMT) X
Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) -
Ambulance -
Stations
Address Acquired/Built Condition
1947 (Original Building)
11200 Speegle Street, Castroville Fair
1971 (Training Building)
17639 Pesante Road, Prunedale Acquired in 1982 Fair
301 Elkhorn Road, Las Lomas 1985 Good
122 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: J. NORTH COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF MONTEREY COUNTY
North County Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Apparatus
7 Fire Engine/Pumpers
Engines
3 Brush Fire Engines
Water Tenders 2 Water Tenders
Ambulance/Squads/
1 Heavy Rescue Vehicle
Rescue
3 Command Vehicles
1 Invest/Prevention Vehicle
Utility
1 Utility Van
2 Utility Pickups
Special 1 Ladder/Pump Truck
Total Staffing
Full time fire suppression 30
Temporary fire suppression -
Volunteer / Paid call firefighters 30
Non-safety regular 1
Total Calls for Service - North County FPD
3000
2402
2324 2337
2500
2000
s
lla
C
la
1500
t
o
T
1000
500
0
FY 2008-09 FY 2009-10 FY 2010-11
Source: County Department of Emergency Communications (911 System) Data.
Note: This table tabulates calls referred to the District for primary response.
Additional calls are referred - and responded to - for mutual and automatic aid.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 123
CHAPTER THREE: J. NORTH COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
North County Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Calls for Service - North County FPD
FY 2010 - 2011
1800 72%
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
16%
400
8%
200 2% 3%
1%
0
Medical Vegetation Structure Other Fire Haz-Mat Other
Emergency
Source: County Department of Emergency Communications (911 System) Data.
124 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
K. Pebble Beach Community Services District
(Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services Only)
District: 3101 Forest Lake Road, Pebble Beach, CA 93953
Phone: 831/647-5604
Fax: 831/373-2357
Email: mniccum@pbcsd.org
Website: www.pbcsd.org
General Manager: Mike Niccum
CAL FIRE: 2221 Garden Road, Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: 831/333-2600
Fax: 831/333-2660
Email: Rick.Hutchinson@fire.ca.gov
Unit Fire Chief: Richard C. Hutchinson, Jr.
SUMMARY
The Pebble Beach Community Services District provides a wide array of services, including fire
protection and emergency medical services, to eight square miles. The District budgets over $4
million annually for fire protection and emergency medical services. This allows approximately
$954 for each of Pebble Beach’s 4,514 residents. The District has financial procedures in place to
ensure the preparation of timely agency audits. The District maintains an ISO Rating of 3, the
only district in the County to receive a rating above 4. The District provides services through a
contract with CAL FIRE, and works closely and cooperatively with the Carmel Highlands and
Cypress Fire Protection Districts.
The current report addresses the fire protection and emergency medical services provided by the
Pebble Beach Community Services District. It discusses, but does not update, the District’s
Sphere of Influence. A Sphere update will be provided as part of a future review of all of the
services provided by this multi-service district.
BACKGROUND
The Pebble Beach Community Services District is a multi-service special district that was
formed in 1982. It currently provides fire protection and emergency medical services,
supplemental law enforcement, wastewater collection and treatment, recycled water
distribution, the undergrounding of utilities, and garbage collection, disposal and recycling.
Pebble Beach, also referred to as the Del Monte Forest, is a gated seaside community with a
residential population of approximately 4,500. Many of the homes in Pebble Beach are used as
LAFCO
of Monterey County 125
×Ñ
PACIFIC GROVE
×Ñ
Pacific Ocean
|ÿ ×Ñ
68
MONTEREY
×Ñ
PEBBLE BEACH CSD,
3101-B FOREST LAKE RD
|ÿ
PEBBLE BEACH CSD,
CYPRESS FPD, CAL FIRE ×Ñ
4180 17-MILE DR
·|}þ
1
×Ñ
City or District Fire Station
District Boundary
×Ñ
Sphere of Influence
Note: Sphere of Influence and District CARMEL BY-THE-SEA
boundary are the same.
LAFCO of Monterey County Ü COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICTS
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
PEBBLE BEACH COMMUNITY
SERVICES DISTRICT
0 0.5 1
P.O. Box 1369 132 W. Gabilan St., Suite 102 2012 Municipal Services Review
S Te a l l e in p a h s o , n C e A ( 8 9 3 3 1 9 ) 0 7 2 54-5838 FA S X a li ( n 8 a 3 s 1 , ) C 7 A 54 9 -5 3 8 90 31 1 Miles Map Produced on 10/11/2011 ×Ñ
126 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: K. PEBBLE BEACH COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
second residences, and the community is a major destination for those seeking quality golfing
and oceanfront resorts. These non-residential activities greatly add to the District’s emergency
response demands. Some growth is anticipated in the District’s residential population in
coming years, as is an intensification of the resort activities.
OPERATIONS
Fire protection and emergency medical services consume approximately half of the Pebble Beach
CSD’s annual budget, or approximately $4 million dollars a year. This expenditure level is equal
to approximately $954 for each Pebble Beach resident. The District also carries no long-term
debt.
The District contracts with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL
FIRE) for structural fire protection service. Under the contract CAL FIRE provides fire
protection and first-responder emergency medical services personnel and the Pebble Beach CSD
provides facilities, equipment and supplies.
The District works closely with two adjacent fire protection districts that are also staffed
through CAL FIRE: the Carmel Highlands and Cypress Fire Protection Districts. The residents
of these three districts benefit from a sharing of stations, apparatus, and staffing. The
arrangement has been formed through cost sharing agreements, without the formality or
bureaucracy of a joint powers agreement or consolidation.
The Pebble Beach CSD participates in the statewide mutual aid system and has automatic aid
agreements with the Cypress FPD and the City of Monterey Fire Department.
There are two fire stations serving the District. The main Pebble Beach Fire Station located at
Forest Lake and Lopez, next to the District Administrative Office, is fully owned by the Pebble
Beach CSD. In addition, the District owns 25% equity interest in the Carmel Hill Fire Station
located inside the Highway One Gate. The other owners of the station are the Cypress Fire
Protection District (25%) and CAL FIRE (50%). The station is strategically located within
Pebble Beach to provide regional wildland fire protection as well as structural fire protection
within the Pebble Beach and Cypress Districts.
In 2007, the District initiated paramedic service and six of the CAL FIRE-contracted firefighters
are now trained as paramedics. This service is designed to deliver advanced life support to
residents within four minutes or less after a 911 call at all times of the day and night.
The District receives approximately 700 calls for service a year, excluding calls for mutual and
automatic aid. Around 59% of all calls are for emergency medical services. The standard fire or
emergency response within Pebble Beach is a fire engine staffed by four firefighters.
The Pebble Beach CSD continues to make improvements to fire safety in the Del Monte Forest.
The District currently plans to install an 800,000-gallon water tank in an area that experienced a
devastating wildfire 24 years ago. The District has already made numerous upgrades, such as
LAFCO
of Monterey County 127
CHAPTER THREE: K. PEBBLE BEACH COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
adding stand-by power to tanks and pump stations, increasing capacity to its lines, and
installing hundreds of fire hydrants.
The Pebble Beach CSD Board of Directors is composed of five Members who are elected at-large
to four year terms. The Board meets monthly in the Community Room of the Pebble Beach CSD
Building. This meeting is usually on the last Friday of the month. The District maintains a
website which contains a list of District Directors, budgets, audits, agendas, minutes, and
packets for upcoming and past meetings.
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE & BOUNDARIES
The Sphere of Influence of the Pebble Beach Community Services District extends beyond the
District boundaries in only one small area: two undeveloped parcels totaling approximately 15
acres adjacent to the Ocean Pines development on the eastern side of Highway 68. The District
has indicated that it may pursue the annexation of this area to officially extend fire protection
service to this open space area and complete its boundaries. A map of the District’s Sphere of
Influence and boundaries can be seen at the beginning of this profile.
The current report addresses the fire protection and emergency medical services provided by the
Pebble Beach Community Services District. It discusses, but does not update, the District’s
Sphere of Influence. A Sphere update will be provided as part of a future review of all of the
services provided by this multi-service district.
128 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: K. PEBBLE BEACH COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
Pebble Beach Community Services District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
District Formation and Duties
Formation Date 1982
Community Services District Law, California
Legal Authority
Government Code, section 61000 et seq.
Five Directors elected to four-year terms through at-large
elections. If the number of candidates equals the number
Board of Directors of eligible seats, or if there are no candidates, the Board of
Supervisors shall make these appointments pursuant to
Elections Code section 10515.
Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services,
Supplemental Law Enforcement, Wastewater
Agency Duties Collection and Treatment, Recycled Water
Distribution, and Garbage Collection, Disposal and
Recycling.
General Fund Revenues (For All Community Services Provided)
2008-2009 2009-2010
Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
Property tax $8,028,819 95.5% $8,168,807 94.3%
Fire Service Special Tax $194,002 2.3% $194,933 2.3%
Proposition 172 Funds $143,430 1.7% $140,719 1.6%
Franchise Fees $0 0.0% $81,802 0.9%
Investment Earnings (Loss) $782 0.0% $35,580 0.4%
Miscellaneous $42,503 0.5% $36,973 0.4%
Revenue total $8,409,536 100.0% $8,658,814 100.0%
Source: Pebble Beach CSD, Financial Statements with Independent Auditor’s Report, for the Fiscal Years
ending June 30, 2010 and 2009: Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances,
Government Funds.
Note: While the chart includes all revenues received by the PBCSD, the general fund amount expended for
fire protection and EMS was $4,041,707 in Fiscal Year 2008-09 and $4,304,691 in Fiscal Year 2009-10.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 129
CHAPTER THREE: K. PEBBLE BEACH COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
Pebble Beach Community Services District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Attributes
District Area (est. square miles) 8.3
Population (2010 estimated) 4,514
Assessed Valuation (FY 10-11) $ 4,476,214,042
Number of Stations 2
Dispatch CAL FIRE
ISO Public Protection Classification 3
Regular Financial Audits Annual
Annual Expenditure for Fire Protection and Emergency Medical
$954
Services Per Capita (FY 09-10)
Net Assets, Government Activities (June 2010) $13,483,602
Change in Net Assets, Government Activities
14%
(from June 2009 to June 2010)
Source: District area estimated utilizing County of Monterey GIS Data; Population
estimated utilizing 2010 U. S. Census Data, Assessed Valuation and Portion of County
Property Tax Received are from County of Monterey Auditor-Controller’s Office; Fund
Balance Information from District Audit; Other information from District.
Note: One of the Stations, the Carmel Hill Station, is jointly owned and shared with Cypress
FPD and CAL FIRE. Net Assets exclude those held for “Business-type Activities,” including
Wastewater, Solid Waste, and Reclamation.
Types of Services
Fire X
Technical Rescue X
Basic Life Support (EMT) X
Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) X
Ambulance -
130 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: K. PEBBLE BEACH COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
Pebble Beach Community Services District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Stations
Address Acquired/Built Condition
3101 Forest Lake Road, Pebble Beach 1979 Good
4180 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach 1995 Good
Apparatus
3 Fire Engines (one of which is shared
with Cypress FPD)
Engines
1 Fire Engine/Truck
1 Wildland Fire Engine
Ambulance/Squads/
1 Heavy Rescue Vehicle
Rescue
2 Fire Prevention Vehicles
6 Command/Captain Vehicles (shared
Utility
with Cypress and Carmel Highlands
FPDs)
Total Staffing
Full time fire suppression 29.25
Temporary fire suppression 0
Volunteer / Paid call firefighters 0
Non-safety regular 1.10
CAL FIRE’s San Benito-Monterey Unit contractually provides
staffing to the Pebble Beach CSD. The full time fire suppression
and non-safety regular positions outlined above represent the
District’s share of funding for full time positions, which are
sometimes referred to as “full time equivalents” (“FTEs”).
LAFCO
of Monterey County 131
CHAPTER THREE: K. PEBBLE BEACH COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
Pebble Beach Community Services District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Total Calls for Service - Pebble Beach CSD
754
800 719
654
600
s
lla
C
la
400
t
o
T
200
0
CY 2008 CY 2009 CY 2010
Source: CAL FIRE Data.
Note: This table tabulates calls referred to the District for primary response. Additional calls are
referred - and responded to - for mutual and automatic aid.
Calls for Service - Pebble Beach CSD
CY 2010
500 59%
450
400
350
300
250
200
16% 18%
150
100
5%
50 0% 1%
0
Medical Vegetation Fire Structure Fire Other Fire Haz-Mat/FMS Other
Emergency
Source: CAL FIRE Data.
132 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
L. South Monterey County Fire Protection District
Administrative Office: 2221 Garden Road, Monterey, CA 93940 (CAL FIRE)
Phone: 831/333‐2600
Fax: 831/333‐2660
Email: rick.hutchinson@fire.ca.gov
Unit Fire Chief: Richard C. Hutchinson, Jr.
SUMMARY
The South Monterey County Fire Protection District provides fire protection and emergency
medical services to over 500 square miles of the southern Salinas Valley. South Monterey
County FPD serves the largest geographic area of any of the County’s fire protection districts.
The District also has a large Sphere of Influence and plans are underway to annex large portions
of it.
The District cooperatively provides services to its 4,500 residents through a contract with CAL
FIRE. Through this contract CAL FIRE provides management and administrative services and a
battalion chief who coordinates the Districts volunteer firefighters. The District’s annual
budget is approximately $450,000, and the District has recently increased its fund balance to
almost $900,000. The District is increasing its management capabilities, and updating the
strategic plan. The District has financial procedures in place to ensure the preparation of timely
agency audits.
The District maintains an ISO Rating to 6 within five road miles of a fire station where there is a
credible source of water for firefighting. No expansion of the District’s Sphere of Influence is
anticipated at this time.
BACKGROUND
The South Monterey County Fire Protection District provides service to a large unincorporated
portion of the southern Salinas Valley, including Arroyo Seco, the San Antonio Valley, and the
unincorporated area around King City.
County Service Area 61, the predecessor of the South Monterey County FPD, was originally
formed in 1971 to provide structural fire protection in the unincorporated area within the King
City Union School District boundaries. Over the years, CSA 61 expanded to include the Arroyo
Seco and Bradley areas. The CSA was officially dissolved and the South Monterey County FPD
formed in 1997. At the time of this formation, the Bryson-Hesperia area was excluded from the
new district’s boundaries in response to public input.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 133
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SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
LAFCPaOcific o f O M ce o a n n terey County Ü FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
SOUTH CSOAUN LNUTISY OBISPO COUNTY
FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
0 2 4 6 8
P.O. Box 1369 132 W. Gabilan St., Suite 102 2012 Municipal Services Review
S Te a l l e in p a h s o , n C e A ( 8 9 3 3 1 9 ) 0 7 2 54-5838 FA S X a l ( in 8 a 3 s 1 , ) C 7 A 54 9 -5 3 8 9 3 0 1 1 Miles Map Produced on 10/11/2011
134 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: L. SOUTH MONTEREY COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
The South Monterey County FPD is geographically the largest fire protection district in the
County covering over 500 square miles. This area covers large areas of farmland and open areas
in the south county area encompassing both Local and State Responsibility Area lands that
pertain to wildland fire protection responsibility. The 2010 population has been estimated at
4,513. The District estimates that the population may increase by a third in the next 15 years.
The District is rural and contains little commercial development. The large size of the District,
low population density, and low tax rates challenge the District’s ability to respond to
increasing demands.
OPERATIONS
The South Monterey County FPD increased its fund balance by over 80% in the 24 months
between June 2007 and June 2009. At the end of June 2009, the fund balance stood at over
$880,000. Within this amount the District maintains two $100,000 designated reserves, one
each for buildings and equipment. The only outstanding long-term District debt, for the 2004
purchase of a fire engine, will be retired in 2012.
The South Monterey County FPD receives a relatively small amount of revenue for its area and
population. Annual revenues for the District are less than $500,000. This revenue equals
approximately $104 per District resident, which is the second lowest per capita revenue figure
among fire protection districts. Although over 50% of the District’s revenue is derived from
property taxes, the District receives less than one cent of each dollar collected by the County for
the 1% property tax. Additional revenues are derived from State Proposition 172 funds, and a
voter-approved fire suppression fee.
CAL FIRE provides contractual management and administrative services to the District. In
Fiscal Year 2011-12, the District increased its contract with CAL FIRE to allow for the services of
a battalion chief. The District will pay for 80% of this position with the other 20% being paid
through CAL FIRE’s new contract with the City of Soledad. This increase will allow the
District additional management capabilities. Similar to all CAL FIRE contract local agencies,
the District also pays CAL FIRE for accounting, personnel, communications, and mechanical
services.
Like many other southern Salinas Valley fire protection agencies, South Monterey County FPD
relies on the services of volunteer firefighters for the provision of fire protection and emergency
medical services. While CAL FIRE provides management and administrative services to the
District, the District’s firefighters are all volunteers.
The District’s 45 volunteers are allocated to three fire stations: one in the rural area around King
City, one in the Arroyo Seco area, and one in Lockwood. The District owns the first two of these
stations, and utilized the existing CAL FIRE station in Lockwood for the co-location of
firefighting apparatus. The District is currently in negotiations to purchase property in the
Lockwood area to construct a new District station.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 135
CHAPTER THREE: L. SOUTH MONTEREY COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
The District maintains an ISO Public Protection Classification of 6 for properties within five
miles of a station when there is a credible source of water for firefighting. The District
participates in mutual aid throughout the State. Firefighters are trained to the Emergency
Medical Technician (EMT) level, so that basic life support can be provided.
The South Monterey County FPD has begun the process of updating the strategic plan. The
District’s Fiscal Year 2011-12 budget includes funding for the continued coordination of this
process by Citygate Associates, a private consulting firm specializing in fire protection service
and strategic planning.
The South Monterey County FPD is run by a five-person Board of Directors whose Members are
appointed to four-year terms by the County Board of Supervisors. The Board meets every other
month at the Pine Canyon Fire Station. The District does not maintain a website.
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE & BOUNDARIES
The South Monterey County FPD is primarily surrounded by open space lands that are within
Federal or State Responsibility Areas. Beyond the District’s boundaries, the Sphere of Influence
contains all of the area east to the County line, and to the southwest in the Bryson-Hesperia
area. This Sphere is estimated to contain approximately 870 square miles. A map of the
District’s Sphere of Influence and boundaries can be seen at the beginning of this profile. No
changes are anticipated in the District’s Sphere of Influence.
The Sphere of Influence contains residential enclaves which would benefit from fire protection
service. The District has been contacted by citizens in some of these areas who are interested in
annexation. Among those interested are members of the San Ardo Fire Company who are
exploring the possible annexation of this 500-person community to the District. The District
has budgeted $30,000 in the current year to pursue annexations within the existing Sphere of
Influence.
In the future, the District may be reduced in size, as portions of the District are annexed to the
City of King. In some cases these District detachments may cause a financial hardship to the
District. An existing LAFCO policy discourages proposals causing adverse financial impacts on
the provision of government services. This policy may support financial mitigation to
compensate for future District detachments.
136 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: L. SOUTH MONTEREY COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
South Monterey County Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
District Formation and Duties
Formation Date 1997
Fire Protection District Law of 1961, Health & Safety
Legal Authority
Code, section 13800 et seq.
Five Directors appointed to four-year terms by the
Board of Directors
Monterey County Board of Supervisors
Agency Duties Fire Protection / Emergency Medical Services
District Revenues
2007-2008 2008-2009
Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
Property tax $224,021 53.1% $246,534 52.7%
Use of Money & Property (Interest) $21,875 5.2% -$13,093 -2.8%
Aid from Other Government Agencies
(Proposition 172 Fund, Homeowner's $101,763 24.1% $92,227 19.7%
Property Tax Relief, and Measure A)
Other Revenue $25,630 6.1% $62,208 13.3%
Fire Suppression Assessment Fee $48,237 11.4% $79,981 17.1%
Revenue total $421,526 100% $467,857 100%
Source: South Monterey County FPD, Financial Statements and Supplementary Information, June 30, 2009
and 2008, Statement E: Statements of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances – Government
Funds.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 137
CHAPTER THREE: L. SOUTH MONTEREY COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
South Monterey County Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Attributes
District area (est. square miles) 508.7
Population (2010 estimated) 4,513
Assessed Valuation (FY 10-11) $1,152,298,237
Number of stations 2
Dispatch CAL FIRE
ISO Public Protection Classification:
Within 5 miles of a Station and with a Credible Source of Water 6
Without a Credible Source of Water 9
Regular Financial Audits Biennial
Annual Revenue Per Capita (FY 08-09) $104
Average Portion of County 1% Property Tax Received 1¢/$1
Ending Total Fund Balance (June 2009) $880,229
Change in Total Fund Balance (from June 2007 to June 2009) 82%
Total Fund Balance/Annual Revenue Total (FY 08-09) 188%
Source: District area estimated utilizing County of Monterey GIS Data; Population
estimated utilizing 2010 U. S. Census Data, Assessed Valuation and Portion of County
Property Tax Received are from County of Monterey Auditor-Controller’s Office; Fund
Balance Information from District Audit; Other information from District.
Types of Services
Fire X
Technical Rescue X
Basic Life Support (EMT) X
Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) -
Ambulance -
138 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: L. SOUTH MONTEREY COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
South Monterey County Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Stations
Address Acquired/Built Condition
51251 Pine Canyon
1985 Good
Road, King City
46700 Arroyo Seco
2007 Excellent
Road, Greenfield
Lockwood (CAL
Approx. 1955 Fair
FIRE)
The SMCFPD owns and operates the Pine Canyon and Arroyo
Seco Stations, and co-locates equipment at the CAL FIRE
Lockwood Forest Fire Station.
Apparatus
Two Type I Fire Engines
Engines
Two Type III Fire Engines
Ambulance/Squads/
Two Rescue Vehicles
Rescue
Utility One Type IV Patrol
Total Staffing
Full time fire suppression 0.8
Temporary fire suppression 0
Volunteer / Paid call firefighters 45
Non-safety regular 0.44
CAL FIRE’s San Benito-Monterey Unit contractually provides
staffing to the South Monterey County FPD. The full time fire
suppression and non-safety regular positions outlined above
represent the District’s share of funding for full time positions,
which are sometimes referred to as “full time equivalents”
(“FTEs”).
LAFCO
of Monterey County 139
CHAPTER THREE: L. SOUTH MONTEREY COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
South Monterey County Fire Protection District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Total Calls for Service - So. Monterey County FPD
600
500 451
433 425
400
s
lla
C
la
300
t
o
T
200
100
0
CY 2008 CY 2009 CY 2010
Source: CAL FIRE Data.
Note: This table tabulates calls referred to the District for primary response. Additional calls are
referred - and responded to - for mutual and automatic aid.
Calls for Service - So. Monterey County FPD
CY 2010
350
69%
300
250
200
150
100
13%
8%
50 5% 5%
1%
0
Medical Vegetation Fire Structure Fire Other Fire Haz-Mat/FMS Other
Emergency
Source: CAL FIRE Data.
140 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
M. Spreckels Community Services District
(Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services Only)
District: P.O. Box 7432, Spreckels, CA 93962
Phone: 831/540‐5653
Email: sassiesmiles@yahoo.com
President: Jim Riley
Volunteer FC: P.O. Box 7247, Spreckels, CA 93962 (Spreckels Volunteer Fire Company)
38 Spreckels Blvd., Spreckels, CA 93962
Phone: 831/455-2211
FAX: 831/455-2218
Website: http://www.spreckelsfire.com/Home.html
Chief: Rich Foster
SUMMARY
The Spreckels Community Services District dedicates approximately half of its revenues to the
provision of fire protection and emergency medical services. In Fiscal Year 2008-09, the last year
for which an audit is available, the District spent a total of $123,494 of which $71,220 was for fire
protection service and fire department expense. These funds are used to directly support the
Spreckels Volunteer Fire Company which was founded in 1898. The area served by the
volunteers is approximately one-third of a square mile and contains a population of
approximately 673. The area served by volunteer firefighters is a portion of the Community
Services District boundaries. The Volunteers maintain an automatic aid agreement with the
Monterey County Regional FPD and have an ISO Rating of 6 within five road miles of a fire
station where there is a credible water source for fighting fires.
The current report addresses the fire protection and emergency medical services provided by the
Spreckels Community Services District. It discusses, but does not update, the District’s Sphere
of Influence. A Sphere update will be provided as part of a future review of all of the services
provided by this multi-service district.
BACKGROUND
The Spreckels Community Services District was formed in 1986 following the dissolution of
County Service Area 40. The District provides a range of services to the historic unincorporated
community of Spreckels. Services provided include fire protection and emergency medical
services, street lighting, the collection and disposal of garbage, and storm drain maintenance.
The District has contractually provided fire protection service through the Spreckels Volunteer
Fire Company since 1991. The Volunteers were founded in 1898 and maintain a single fire
station within the community.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 141
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SPRECKELS VOLUNTEER FIRE STATION
SPRECKELS BLVD & HATTON AVE
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Spreckels Volunteer First Response Area
Spreckels Community Services District Boundary
LAFCO of Monterey County Ü COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICTS
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
SPRECKELS COMMUNITY
SERVICES DISTRICT
0 1,000
P.O. Box 1369 132 W. Gabilan St., Suite 102 2012 Municipal Services Review
Salinas, CA 93902 Salinas, CA 93901 Feet
Telephone (831) 754-5838 FAX (831) 754-5831 Map Produced on 2/24/2012
142 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: M. SPRECKELS COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
OPERATIONS
The District’s capital assets consist of a storm drainage system valued at $472,110 prior to
depreciation, and $253,759 after accumulated depreciation. The District also had unrestricted
assets total $127,009 and carries no long-term debt.
In Fiscal Year 2008-09, the District spent $71,220 for fire protection service and fire department
expenses out of $123,494 in total expenses. Funds for fire protection expenses are directly used
to support the Spreckels Volunteer Fire Company. While the District schedules audits
annually, the audit for Fiscal Year 2008-09 was the most recent provided to LAFCO in the
preparation of this report.
The Volunteer Company accepts volunteers who live within the District and the surrounding
area. The Company has five officers and seventeen firefighters. Emergency calls are transmitted
directly from the County Communications System to beepers carried by the firefighters.
Firefighters respond by first driving to the Spreckels station and then to the fire. Data from
County Emergency Communications indicates that the Volunteer Company annually receives
between 30 and 40 primary response calls for service. If calls for mutual and automatic aid were
included, the annual number of calls would increase to between 50 and 60.
The Volunteer Company also proudly participates in historic fire musters throughout California.
Musters include events such as hose cart races, hand pumper competitions, and bucket brigades.
The Spreckels Community Services District covers a larger area than that served by the
Spreckels Volunteer Fire Company. The core 191± acres of this historic community, with a
population of approximately 536, are served by the Volunteer Company. The Community
Services District itself covers 439± acres, with a population of 673 in 2010.
The portion of the Community Services District that is not within the Volunteers’ first
responder boundaries is served by the Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District.
These include a subdivision of approximately 75 homes constructed west of downtown in the
mid-2000’s, the Tanamura & Antle agricultural facility, and the northern half of the Spreckels
Elementary School site. (The boundaries of the first response area and the Community Services
District are shown in the map on the previous page.) Because of the automatic aid agreement,
the Monterey County Regional FPD responds equally to calls for service within all of Spreckels.
The Spreckels Community Services District Board of Directors is composed of five Directors
elected at-large to four-year terms. The Board regularly meets on the second Tuesday of the
month. The District does not maintain a website, although the Volunteer Fire Company
maintains a site with information about firefighting within Spreckels. No information on
District Directors or meetings is listed on this website.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 143
CHAPTER THREE: M. SPRECKELS COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE & BOUNDARIES
No changes are anticipated in the boundaries of the Spreckels Volunteer Fire Company. The
boundaries served by the Volunteers are shown in the map at the beginning of this profile.
The current report addresses the fire protection and emergency medical services provided by the
Spreckels Community Services District. It discusses, but does not update, the District’s Sphere
of Influence. A Sphere update will be provided as part of a future review of all of the services
provided by this multi-service district.
144 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: M. SPRECKELS COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
Spreckels Community Services District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
District Formation and Duties
Formation Date 1986
Community Services District Law,
Legal Authority California Government Code, section
61000 et seq.
Five Directors elected to four-year terms
Board of Directors
through at-large elections
Fire Protection / Emergency Medical
Services / Wastewater / Street Lighting /
Agency Duties
Garbage Collection and Disposal / Storm
Drain Maintenance
District Revenues (for all Community Services Provided)
2008-2009 audit 2009-2010 budget
Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
Property taxes $25,995 24.9% $25,500 11.3%
Fire Protection Funding (Prop 172) $36,674 35.1% $45,000 20.0%
Fire Protection User Fees $36,874 35.3% $40,000 17.7%
Homeowners' Property Tax Relief $146 0.1% - -
Interest $4,810 4.6% - -
Fund Balance - - $115,000 51.0%
Revenue total $99,689 100.0% $225,500 100.0%
Source: Spreckels Community Services District, Financial Statements, June 30, 2009, Statement of Revenues,
Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance – Budget and Actual – Government Fund, and Spreckels
Community Services District 2010/2011 Budget. No audit was received by LAFCO for the 2009-10 fiscal year.
While the above chart includes all revenues received by the Spreckels CSD, the amount expended for fire
protection, as shown in the Statement of Activities, was $71,220 in Fiscal Year 2008-09.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 145
CHAPTER THREE: M. SPRECKELS COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
Spreckels Community Services District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Attributes
District Area (est. square miles):
Within Volunteer Fire Service Area
0.3
Within Entire District 0.7
Population (2010 estimated):
Within Volunteer Fire Service Area 536
Within Entire District 673
Assessed Valuation (FY 10-11) N/A
Number of Stations 1
Dispatch County
ISO Public Protection Classification:
Within 5 miles of a Station and with a Credible Source of Water 6
Without a Credible Source of Water 9
Regular Financial Audits Annual
Annual Fire Revenue Per Capita Within Fire Service Area (FY 08-09) $137
Ending General Fund Balance (est. June 2009) $265,768
Change in General Fund Balance (est. from June 2008 to June 2009) -30%
Source: District area estimated utilizing County of Monterey GIS Data; Population estimated
utilizing 2010 U. S. Census Data, Assessed Valuation and Portion of County Property Tax
Received are from County of Monterey Auditor-Controller’s Office; Fund Balance
Information from District Audit; Other information from District.
Types of Services
Fire X
Technical Rescue -
Basic Life Support (EMT) X
Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) -
Ambulance -
Station
Condition
Address Acquired/Built
38 Spreckels Blvd., 1980s
Good
Spreckels (Historic Portion – 1900s)
146 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: M. SPRECKELS COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
Spreckels Community Services District
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Apparatus
Engines 2 Type I Fire Engines
Utility 2 Antique Apparatus
Total Staffing
Full time fire suppression
Temporary fire suppression
Volunteer / Paid call firefighters 22
Non-safety regular
Total Calls for Service - Spreckels Volunteer Fire Company
38
40 37
33
35
30
s
25
lla
C
la
20
t
o
T 15
10
5
0
FY 2008-09 FY 2009-10 FY 2010-11
Source: County Department of Emergency Communications (911 System) Data.
Note: This table tabulates calls referred to the District for primary response. Additional
calls are referred - and responded to - for mutual and automatic aid.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 147
CHAPTER THREE: M. SPRECKELS COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
Calls for Service - Spreckels Volunteer Fire Company
FY 2010 - 2011
25
58%
20
15 34%
10
5
5%
3%
0 0
0
Medical Vegetation Fire Structure Fire Other Fire Haz-Mat/FMS Other
Emergency
Source: County Department of Emergency Communications (911 System) Data.
148 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
N. County Service Area 74
(Monterey County Emergency Medical Services)
Address: 1270 Natividad Road, Salinas, CA 93906 (Monterey County EMS Agency)
Phone: 831/755-5013
Fax: 831/455-0680
Email: schmittke@co.monterey.ca.us
Website: www.mtyhd.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&id=20&Itemid=209&lang=en
(Monterey County Health Department, Emergency Medical Services Agency)
E.M.S Director: Kirk Schmitt
SUMMARY
County Service Area 74 is a funding mechanism to support the provision of ambulance and other
emergency medical services throughout all of Monterey County. Taxation within this
countywide service area was approved by the voters in 1989 and again in 2000. Approximately
$1.6 million in annual tax revenues allow this CSA to provide stability to the countywide
ambulance and emergency medical service system. Audits of this agency are contained in the
overall audits conducted for the County. There are no plans to expand the Sphere of Influence of
this countywide County Service Area.
BACKGROUND
In 1988, Monterey County voters approved Measure A, an advisory measure supporting the
establishment of a countywide paramedic emergency medical services program. Subsequent to
Measure A, LAFCO adopted Resolution 89-8 which formed CSA 74 “with the purposes of
providing ambulance service, including the emergency medical services (EMS) system pursuant
to Division 2.5 of the California Health and Safety Code.” The Countywide EMS program would
be responsible for providing advanced life support in response to emergency calls originating
within the County. The 1996 passage of Proposition 218 required that the issue be returned to
the voters for approval of the benefit assessment which occurred in March 2000. The Paramedic
Emergency Medical Services Special Tax is now assessed at $12.00 per service unit14 on every
parcel in the County. This is maximum assessment set by the Board of Supervisors through a
2000 public hearing process.
14 Monterey County Code Section 15.29.055 defines the amount of “service units” per type and use of parcels. A
single family dwelling equals one service unit.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 149
Salinas
Monterey
King City
District Boundary
(COUNTY-WIDE)
Note: The Sphere of Influence and
District boundary are the same.
Ü
LAFCO of Monterey County COUNTY SERVICE AREAS
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
COUNTY SERVICE AREA # 74
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
0 20
P.O. Box 1369 132 W. Gabilan St., Suite 102 2012 Municipal Services Review
Salinas, CA 93902 Salinas, CA 93901 Miles
Telephone (831) 754-5838 FAX (831) 754-5831 Map Produced on 10/11/2011
150 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: N. COUNTY SERVICE AREA 74
OPERATIONS
County Service Area 74 provides funds for the operation of the County’s Emergency Medical
Services Agency and related programs. The County EMS Agency plans, coordinates, and
evaluates the various elements of the countywide paramedic system. While all California
counties have a local emergency medical services agency (LEMSA), only a few have voter-
approved assessments supporting them. This funding adds stability to the Monterey County
agency and allows for the provision of many free or low-cost services to the public and
participating agencies. The Monterey County EMS system includes over 100 participating
agencies including ground and air ambulance providers, hospitals, law enforcement and fire
agencies, community colleges, American Red Cross chapters, and the American Heart
Association.
The California Emergency Medical Services Authority provides statewide coordination and
leadership for the planning, development, and implementation of local EMS systems. This State
agency reviews and approvals the Monterey County EMS Plan to ensure compliance with the
State minimum standards.
The primary responsibility of the EMS Agency is to contract for, and monitor, ambulance
services. The primary ambulance provider for Monterey County is American Medical Response-
West (AMR) which operates under a service agreement with the County. AMR is contractually
responsible to provide primary service to the entire County except within the boundaries of the
City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Carmel Valley portion of the Monterey County Regional Fire
Protection District, and Fort Hunter Liggett. Each ambulance is to be staffed with at least one
paramedic and one emergency medical technician.
AMR operates on fees for service that are paid by those served and their insurance companies.
The only subsidy AMR receives from the EMS Agency is for the provision of coverage to three
distant areas: Cachagua, San Lucas, and Cambria. In these areas, the EMS Agency provides a
subsidy of $1,000 per call pursuant to peripheral provider agreements. These areas are
contractually served by Carmel Valley Ambulance15, San Luis Ambulance, and the Cambria
Community Healthcare District.
In addition to paramedic ambulances, CSA 74 provides funding for programs that:
1. Make EMS training available for pre-hospital care personnel;
2. Provide funding to train, certify, and recertify emergency medical 9-1-1 dispatchers, first
responders and mobile intensive care nurses, and to equip first responder vehicles with
appropriate medical equipment;
3. Expand and upgrade the specialized medical radio communications system equipment
and operators;
15 Provided by the Monterey County Regional FPD.
LAFCO
of Monterey County 151
CHAPTER THREE: N. COUNTY SERVICE AREA 74
4. Provide financial assistance to designated Advanced Life Support base hospitals, and
5. Provide necessary staffing and support to the EMS Agency.
The County EMS Agency has two main funding sources: the CSA special tax and a portion of
the “Maddy” funds received by the County. The CSA produces approximately $1,600,000 in
annual revenues. In the County’s Fiscal Year 2011-12 budget, $935,000 from CSA 74 goes
directly to the County EMS Agency, $300,000 is reserved for the development of a trauma plan,
and $327,000 is disbursed to first responders.16
In Fiscal Year 2011-12, the County anticipates approximately $1.25 million in revenue through
the State Maddy program. $191,000 of this amount is to be directly transferred to the EMS
Agency. The majority of Maddy funds are used to reimburse physicians and hospitals for
providing unreimbursed indigent services and unreimbursed emergency medical care. State
Maddy funds are derived from fees levied on specific types of traffic violations collected by the
courts. The State budget crisis may result in a drop in Maddy funds in coming years.
Changes have been made in the distribution of CSA 74 funds in the past year. In 2010, the
Macias Consulting Group performed an operational audit of the EMS Agency. One of the
report’s recommendations was for the EMS Agency to “establish (with participation from its
stakeholders) a formula-based model for distributing CSA 74 reserve funds for EMS mission
related activities.”
Following this recommendation, the County established a minimum contingency of $1.5 million
to be held in the CSA 74 fund. This minimum contingency was calculated to allow the County
to assume the duties of the primary ambulance provider if necessary. The remaining $2.0 million
in CSA 74 monies was distributed to participating first responders according to a formula
factoring in the annual number of emergency medical calls, population, and assessed valuation.
These funds can be used for EMS training and equipment. Following this initial distribution the
EMS Agency will distribute surplus funds to participating agencies on an annual basis.
With the distribution of CSA 74 funds to 27 first responders, the EMS Agency will no longer
provide direct or indirect EMS training but will continue to monitor and certify EMS training.
Jurisdictions receiving CSA 74 funds will be required to maintain training and equipment
records to facilitate the Agency’s monitoring of program compliance.
Fire chiefs contacted during the preparation of this report expressed satisfaction with the
approach that CSA 74 was now taking to support the countywide provision of emergency
medical services.
Most incidents involving the possibility of a serious injury are responded to by both a fire engine
and an ambulance. Some fire protection agencies arrive at the scene with emergency medical
technicians who can provide basic life support, while others are staffed with paramedics capable
16 A total of $3.2 million is budgeted in CSA 74 in Fiscal Year 2011-12. This amount includes almost $1.7 million from
the fund balance. Expenditures include funding a $1.5 million reserve.
152 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: N. COUNTY SERVICE AREA 74
of providing advanced life support. Ambulances respond with advanced life support and the
ability to transport the victim to a hospital. The provision of advanced life support by
firefighters was supported by the 2009 Monterey County Grand Jury which stated that “fire
service is the optimal choice for providing pre-hospital emergency care services.” It determined
that the fire service is best positioned to arrive on-site quickly to stabilize the patient and
prepare for transport. After reviewing the Grand Jury’s comments and searching the literature,
Dr. James Stubblefield, the EMS Agency Medical Director, disagreed and concluded that the
best systems are two-tiered: first with basic life support and then with paramedic ambulance
service.
The Monterey County Emergency Medical Services Agency anticipates major nationwide
changes in the delivery of medical services in the next few years. One change that the County is
actively pursuing is the designation of one local hospital as a Level II Trauma Center. A trauma
center is a hospital equipped to provide comprehensive emergency medical services to patients
suffering traumatic injuries. Currently, the majority of trauma patients are air-transported to
trauma centers in Santa Clara or Fresno Counties. Other changes to the County’s EMS system
are likely to involve health care reform legislation and the increased use of electronic health
records. The ambulance contract with AMR, if it is extended by the County, will expire no later
than 2019. By then, fires responders may have implemented a new model in emergency response.
As a county service area, CSA 74 is governed by the County Board of Supervisors. The Monterey
County Board of Supervisors meet most Tuesdays of the year. Board agendas, minutes, and
packets are contained on the County’s website. The County Emergency Medical Services
Agency maintains a website that contains information on upcoming advisory committee
meetings as well as scheduled EMS trainings.
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE & BOUNDARIES
The Sphere of Influence and boundary of County Service Area 74 contain all parcels within
Monterey County, as is shown in the map at the beginning of this profile. No Sphere of
Influence or boundary changes are therefore anticipated.
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CHAPTER THREE: N. COUNTY SERVICE AREA 74
County Service Area 74 (Emergency Medical Services)
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
District Formation and Duties
Formation Date 1989
County Service Area Law, Government Code, section
Legal Authority 25210 et seq., and Monterey County Code, chapter 15.29
– County Service Area: Ambulance Service Charges.
The County Service Area is a County-dependent special
Board of Directors district directly governed by the Monterey County
Board of Supervisors.
Agency Duties Emergency Medical Services
CSA 74 Adopted Budget
2009-2010 2010-2011
% of % of
Amount Amount
Total Total
Taxes $1,550,000 99.0% $1,550,000 98.4%
Use of Money & Property $15,000 1.0% $25,000 1.6%
Revenue total $1,565,000 100.0% $1,575,000 100.0%
Source: County of Monterey Recommended Budgets, Fiscal Years Ending June 30th 2012 and 2011:
Ambulance Service Unit 8108 – Fund 092.
Note: While County Service Area 74 is included within the County of Monterey’s Comprehensive
Annual Financial Report the revenues for all County Service Areas are reported as if they were a part of
the County because the Monterey County Board of Supervisors also serves as the governing board of each
of the CSAs. For this reason the above chart utilizes the County’s adopted budget.
154 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
CHAPTER THREE: N. COUNTY SERVICE AREA 74
County Service Area 74 (Emergency Medical Services)
Formation, Revenues, Attributes, Types of Service, and Resources
Attributes
District Area (estimated square miles) 3,771
Population (2010 estimated) 415,057
Assessed Valuation (FY 10-11) $48,490,639,348
Number of Stations N/A
Contract Ambulance
Dispatch
Provider
ISO Public Protection Classification N/A
County’s Comprehensive
Regular Financial Audits
Annual Financial Report
Annual Revenue Per Capita (estimated FY 10-11) $4
Average Portion of County 1% Property Tax
0¢/$1
Received
County Approved Minimum Reserve $1,500,000
Source: District area estimated utilizing County of Monterey GIS Data; Population
of Monterey County from 2010 U. S. Census Data, Assessed Valuation is from
County of Monterey Auditor-Controller’s Office; County Approved Minimum
Reserve is from Board of Supervisors Action; Other information from Monterey
County Emergency Medical Services.
Types of Services
Fire -
Technical Rescue -
Basic Life Support (EMT) X
Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) X
Ambulance X
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156 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
APPENDIX
A. Acknowledgements
The information contained in this Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Update has
been obtained from many sources. Officials from cities, special districts, the County, and the
State provided assistance and support in preparing this Review and Update. The directors,
chiefs, and staff of these agencies completed surveys, met to discuss services and boundaries,
answered our questions over the phone and through email, and provided audits, budgets,
strategic plans, and other documents. LAFCO received most of the information in this report
through the verbal and written information provided by these officials.
LAFCO was also able to obtain valuable information on State and agency websites and through
the public media. LAFCO’s earlier 2005-2007 Municipal Service Reviews were reviewed to
provide background information. Population estimates for special districts were calculated
from 2010 U. S. Census data.
B. Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Service Providers
In Monterey County, fire protection and emergency medical services are provided by a network
of Federal, State, and local agencies and by volunteer organizations. Following is a summary of
the major components of this network:
CITIES
Except for the City of Greenfield, all Monterey County cities provide fire protection and
emergency medical services to their residents. The Cities of Gonzales, King, Marina, Monterey,
Salinas, and Seaside provide these services through their own municipal fire departments. The
Cities of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Del Rey Oaks, Pacific Grove, and Sand City contractually provide
these services through another city. The City of Soledad recently contracted with CAL FIRE to
provide fire protection service within the City and the surrounding Mission Soledad Rural FPD.
Fire Protection service within Greenfield is the responsibility of the Greenfield Fire Protection
District, which provides services to residents of the City as well as the surrounding rural area.
The boundaries of these cities can be seen in Map ES-1 (page 2). Reviews of fire and other
services provided by Monterey County’s cities were completed in 2010 and 2011. The Spheres of
Influence of cities were updated at the same time.
SPECIAL DISTRICTS
Thirteen special districts provide fire protection and emergency medical services within the
County: ten fire protection districts, two community services districts, and one airport district.
In addition, County Service Area 74 provides support to the emergency medical services system
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APPENDIX
throughout the County. These districts are the subject of this report. Their boundaries are
shown on Map ES-1 (page 2).
VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADES & COMPANIES
The County has five volunteer fire brigades or companies. Two of these companies, the
Cachagua and Spreckels Volunteer Fire Companies, work with geographically overlapping
special districts, and are supported by tax monies generated through these districts. The other
three volunteer groups, the Mid-Coast Volunteer (Palo Colorado) Fire Company, the Big Sur
Volunteer Fire Brigade, and the San Ardo Volunteer Fire Company, rely primarily on donations
from the community. In addition, several cities and districts provide fire protection service
primarily through the service of volunteers. These volunteer oriented agencies include the cities
of Gonzales and King, and the Greenfield and South Monterey County FPDs. The service areas
of these volunteer fire brigades and companies are illustrated in Map ES-1 (page 2).
AMBULANCE SERVICE
Ambulance service is provided throughout the County through the coordination of the County’s
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency. The EMS Agency contracts for ambulance service
throughout the County. The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Monterey County Regional Fire
Protection District provide this service within the City and the boundaries of the former Carmel
Valley Fire Protection District. The U. S. Army is responsible for this service within Fort Hunter
Liggett. A private firm, American Medical Response-West (AMR), contractually provides this
service throughout the remainder of the County. Air ambulance services are also available
throughout the County when transport to a regional trauma center outside the County is
required. While no trauma center currently exists in the County, the County Health
Department is pursuing this designation for a local hospital.
STATE SERVICES
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is responsible for fire
protection within the County’s privately-owned wildlands. This area, called the “State
Responsibility Area,” covers forest and grasslands that are outside of city boundaries and totals
over 2,000 square miles. (The boundaries of the State Responsibility Area are shown in Map ES-
2 (page 3).) In parts of the State Responsibility Area, CAL FIRE is the only firefighting resource
and is frequently called to provide service beyond its strict obligation to control wildfires. In
approximately half of Monterey County’s State Responsibility Area, CAL FIRE personnel
complement the structural firefighting service provided by a local district. CAL FIRE also
provides contractual fire protection and emergency medical services to six special districts and
one city in the County, and provides emergency communication services to several others.
State firefighting and emergency medical services are provided at the Correctional Training
Facility (CTF) in Soledad. This unit provides service within CTF and the adjacent Salinas
Valley State Prison.
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APPENDIX
FEDERAL SERVICES
The Federal government owns large tracts of land in Monterey County. These holdings include
forest, open space and park land, and military installations. The U. S. Forest Service is
responsible for forest fighting within the Los Padres National Forest which contains over 500
square miles inland from the Big Sur coast. Three military installations maintain their own fire
protection departments: Camp Roberts, Fort Hunter Liggett, and the Presidio of Monterey (for
the portions of the former Fort Ord that are still occupied by the Army). The National Parks
Service is responsible for fire protection at the Pinnacles National Monument and the Salinas
River National Wildlife Refuge. The boundaries of the Federal Responsibility Area are included
in Map ES-2 (page 3).
The Federal and State firefighting agencies frequently agree to “swap” areas of wildland fire
protection. In this way, the U. S. Forest Service has accepted most of the coastal State
Responsibility Area as a Federal Direct Protection Area. Reciprocally, CAL FIRE has accepted
Federal Responsibility Areas on the western side of the Salinas Valley as State Direct Protection
Areas. CAL FIRE also covers Bureau of Land Management land within Fort Ord in exchange for
the BLM providing protection within State Responsibility Areas in other areas.
C. Description and Sources of Data
In most sections of this report, the source of data is explicit. Below are explanations of some of
the sources.
CALLS FOR SERVICE
Information on the number and type of calls for service was obtained from data provided by the
Monterey County Department of Emergency Communications and CAL FIRE’s San Benito-
Monterey Unit. This data is broken down into the following categories provided by CAL FIRE:
Vegetation Fire, Structure Fire, Other Fire, Medical, Hazardous Materials Response/Fire
Menace Standby (HazMat/FMS), and Public Service/Other. Within this categorization injury
accidents, including vehicle injury accidents, are categorized as “Medical.” Vehicle fires are
categorized as “Other Fire.”
Fire protection agencies respond to more calls than listed in the County and CALFIRE data.
This is because the available data does not include referrals made to agencies for mutual aid and
automatic aid.
ISO RATING
One of the attributes listed for each agency in this report is the ISO Public Protection
Classification. This rating is issued by the Insurance Services Office, Inc. ISO’s Public
Protection Classification Service gauges the capability of a local fire agency to respond to
structure fires. ISO collects information on a community’s public fire protection and analyzes
the data using a fire suppression rating schedule. ISO then assigns a Public Protection
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APPENDIX
Classification from 1 to 10, with “1” representing the best public protection and “10” indicating
no recognized protection. A low density rural area usually receives a lower rating than an urban
area due to the longer response rates.
Frequently ISA assigns two ratings for an agency. The first is for properties with a credible
source of water for firefighting. The second rating is for properties lacking a hydrant or other
credible water source. Additionally, properties more than five road miles from a fire station
typically receive a rating of 10. The ISO rating is provided to property insurance companies who
use it as a basis for determining property insurance rates. The ratings provided within this
report were provided to LAFCO directly by the fire protection agencies.
TAXATION
The taxation information within this Review and Update were provided by the Office of the
Monterey County Auditor-Controller. The Auditor’s Office provided assessed valuation data
for special districts and the property tax increment factors used for each fire protection district.
LAFCO calculated the average portion of the County 1% property tax received by calculating a
weighted average of the factors provided by the Auditor’s Office.
FIRE APPARATUS
This report refers to firefighting apparatus. In short, a fire apparatus, fire engine, fire truck, or
fire appliance is a vehicle designed to assist in fighting fires by transporting firefighters to the
scene and providing them with access to the fire, along with water or other equipment. A “Type
I” fire engine is one designed for fighting structure fires, while a “Type III” engine is designed for
fighting wildland fires.
D. Relationship to Prior and Future Municipal Service Reviews
This report updates previous fire protection and emergency medical service reviews. The
reviews were included in the following documents:
Carmel Valley MSR (June 2006): Cypress, Carmel Valley,17 and Cachagua Fire
Protection Districts.
Greater Salinas Area MSR (April 2006): Spreckels Community Services District.
Monterey Peninsula Area MSR (January 2007): Carmel Highlands Fire Protection
District, County Service Area 74 (Emergency Medical Services), Monterey Peninsula
Airport District, Pebble Beach Community Services District.
North County Area MSR (February 2006): Aromas Tri-County and North County Fire
Protection Districts.
Salinas Rural Fire Protection District18 MSR (November 2005).
17 Merged with the Monterey County Regional FPD on July 1, 2011.
18 Changed its name to the Monterey County Regional FPD in 2009.
160 FINAL 2012 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS SERVICE REVIEW & SPHERE UPDATE
APPENDIX
South/Central Monterey County MSR (July 2006): Gonzales Rural, Greenfield,
Mission Soledad Rural, and South Monterey County Fire Protection Districts.
Reviews of fire and other services provided by Monterey County’s cities were completed in 2010
and 2011.
While the current report addresses the fire protection and emergency medical services provided
by the Pebble Beach and Spreckels Community Services Districts and the Monterey Peninsula
Airport District, it does not update the Spheres of Influence of these districts. Sphere updates
will be provided as a part of future reviews of all of the services provided by these multi-service
districts.
The services of health care districts are not included in the current report. The scope of the
current report is limited to out-of-hospital, and pre-hospital, acute medical care.
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