Exploring Jurisidiction, Impact, and Solutions
City Council Meeting
April 15, 2025
Agenda Item 15.2
Presented by: Chief Richard Edwards
Stockton Fire Department
FIRE PROTECTION
SERVICES GAP
AT THE PORT OF
STOCKTON
Purpose
No Payment for
Fire Services
Legal & Historical
Background
Impact on the
City of Stockton
Policy & Funding
Options
Overview of the City & Port
Port: Independent special district
Governed by a Board of Commissioners
Major economic hub
Port lies within City boundaries,
not City jurisdiction
Overview of the City & Port
Port of Stockton Board of Commissioners
Stephen Griffen
Chair
David B. Atwater
Vice Chair
Anthony Barkett
Commissioner
Michael Patrick Duffy
Commissioner
Allen Sawyer
Commissioner
Margaret Shea Stephens
Commissioner
William R. Trezza
Commissioner
California Ports
City Departments Special Districts
Legal Framework
Independent legal entity
Not subject to City taxation
Exploring obligations for the City to provide
services without a contract
No formal service agreement in place
Historical Context
City began providing fire services due to
proximity and need
Port operations grew in scale and complexity
No formal service agreement in place
Past discussions lacked resolution
Operational Impact
High risk calls at the Port
(hazmat, industrial, maritime, large fires)
Specialized training and equipment required
All costs borne by City of Stockton
Fire personnel exposed to unique risks
Company 14
Company 13
Company 7
Company 11
Company 10
Company 4
Company 6
Company 12
Company 5
Company 1
Company 2
Company 3
Company 9
Port of
Stockton
100% of costs funded by City taxpayers
0% of revenue from the Port for the fire services
Inequity in resource allocation
Fiscal Burden
Limited fire department
resources
Residents / Taxpayers
Increased demand without
added resources
Firefighters
Seeking equity and
sustainability
City of Stockton
Focused on autonomy and
economical role
Port of Stockton
Stakeholders Perspectives
Policy Options
Negotiate a service contract
Implement a cost-sharing model
Establish a Joint Powers Authority (JPA)
Advocate for state-level policy reform
Recommendations & Next Steps
Form a
Stakeholder Task
Force
Conduct cost, fire
station, and
staffing analysis
Initiate formal
negotiations with
the Port
Explore funding
or grant
opportunities
Unfunded fire services to the Port
are unsustainable
Risk and cost will continue to rise
Fair and equitable solutions are necessary
Collaboration is key to moving forward
Conclusion
QUESTIONS?