El Monte : Fire Consolidation Studied
The City Council is considering consolidation of its Fire Department with the county fire district.
If approved, the city would pay the county to provide firefighting and paramedic services. A Covina study indicated consolidation would save that city $74,000, with additional annual savings, said Councilwoman Patricia Wallach.
The city Fire Department has 73 employees, 64 of them firefighters, said Fire Chief Leslie George. Firefighters who qualify physically probably would be hired by the county, he said. Three dispatchers, three secretaries and three inspectors probably would not be hired, he said.
Like Covina, El Monte is largely surrounded by areas already covered by the county fire district, she said. At its March 26 meeting, the council will consider whether to authorize a study of the potential for consolidation.
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