City of Gonzales
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: February 2, 2026
FROM: Carmen Gil, City Manager
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Agreement with Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District for Fire Chief Services
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into an Agreement between the City of Gonzales and the Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District for Fire Chief Services.
The Agreement will start on February 1, 2026, and will go through June 30, 2026, for a total not to exceed $50,000.
BACKGROUND
The City is responsible for emergency response within its geographical boundaries. The California Emergency Services Act requires the City to manage and coordinate the overall emergency response within its jurisdiction. As part of these responsibilities, the Fire Department requires a Chief Officer to respond to large scale or complex incidents that require the onsite direction and expertise of a Chief Officer including but not limited to: structure fires, vegetation fires, hazardous materials incidents, and mass casualty incidents. Further, a Chief Officer is needed to provide direction on day-to-day operations of the Fire Department, and the coordination of the Fire Department’s response within the Monterey County mutual aid system. Because of various work restrictions placed on Chief Muscio, he is no longer able to respond to emergency scenes and provide the direction and expertise needed for safe and effective emergency response. This agreement with the Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District would allow for one of their Chief Officers or “Duty Chiefs” to respond to incidents within the jurisdiction of the Gonzales Fire Department to provide support and direction to our Fire Department staff, and assist with the safe mitigation of the incident. This agreement also allows Fire Department staff to seek guidance and direction from a Chief Officer for Fire Department Operations and mutual aid response, as well as provide support and assistance for fire investigations, and fire code enforcement within the Gonzales AGENDA
ITEM
5 Rural Fire Protection District. Through this interim agreement, the core mission of the Fire Department can continue until a permanent resolution can be found.
Explain Recommendation and How it Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small-town charm.
Explain: An effective Fire Department is vital to ensure the health and safety of our residents.
This Agreement provides us the support and expertise needed to continue running the department smoothly during Chief Muscio’s transition.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment, and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community.
Explain: This Agreement provides the resources necessary for the Fire Department to continue to provide the best possible emergency response.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful, and friendly manner to insure the safety and well being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Explain: The costs involved for this agreement is detailed in Exhibit A of the agreement, with a not to exceed amount of $50,000 for the term.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety X Yes No N/A
• Housing Yes No X N/A
• Recreation Yes No X N/A
• Environment Yes No X N/A
• Education Yes No X N/A
ALTERNATIVES
The Council could direct staff to take no action on this Agreement. This is not recommended as it would greatly hinder Fire Department operations and emergency response.
BUDGET IMPACT
The budget for the Agreement through June 30, 2026, is set at an amount not to exceed $50,000 and detailed in Exhibit A (Scope of Work) of the agreement.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into an Agreement between the City of Gonzales and the Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District for Fire Chief Services.
The Agreement will start on February 1, 2026, and will go through June 30, 2026, for a total not to exceed $50,000.
Attachments:
1. Agreement with MCRFPD