From: David Dietz
To: City Council; Gail Dietz
Subject: Joining the Gold Ridge Fire District
Date: Monday, May 16, 2022 6:21:26 PM
Council Members,
Having read the Ad Hoc Fire Committee's report, Chief Braga's analysis, the letter from the Gold Ridge Fire Chief, the letter from the fire department volunteers, and emails to the Council, it is clear that a municipal fire department is not a practical long-term solution for our city. Becoming part of a fire district seems a very appropriate solution. It also appears quite plausible that the Gold Ridge District would be a better fit for the City than the alternatives. The proposed increase in taxes seems consistent with the increase in service levels. So, it seems likely that the proposal on the Council's agenda will be the correct direction to take. However, there is insufficient information in the agenda package to support Council action.
The Ad Hoc Fire Committee's report reads like a summary of a report. It lacks details on costs, impact on the City budget, effect on our ISO rating, details on factors that made Gold Ridge Fire District a better choice than others, and a detailed list of unresolved issues. The information presented is insufficient to make a decision that will have multi-million dollar impacts. I would expect that the two chiefs and city staff could provide the additional data needed to support an informed decision.
I am also flabbergasted at the cavalier treatment that the fire department volunteers have received. It would have been helpful if the Ad Hoc Committee members at least pretended to care about their concerns. These are the same folks we hope will remain available to support service with the fire district. If they walk away in disgust when we eventually become part of a fire district, our fire service will be hugely impacted.
The City of Sebastopol can do better. I hope that we do.
Sincerely, David Dietz, AICP