New Panel to Study Combining Agencies
Trying to rescue police and fire services from potentially crippling budget cuts, the county Board of Supervisors formed a committee Tuesday to consider combining some emergency functions.
The six-member committee, which includes Sheriff Larry Carpenter and Ventura County Fire Chief George Lund, will report its recommendations to the supervisors on a regular basis, Supervisor Maria VanderKolk said.
VanderKolk, who proposed formation of the committee, will also serve as a member.
The group will study ways to boost efficiency among Ventura County’s police and fire agencies, VanderKolk said, possibly including combining some duties.
Consolidating 911 dispatch services and increasing the size of the county’s volunteer fire force also will be considered, VanderKolk said.
The sheriff’s and fire departments face combined cuts of up to $23 million due to the state’s budget woes.
In addition to VanderKolk, Carpenter and Lund, the six-member committee will include Chief Administrative Officer Richard Wittenberg. Two city managers who have not yet been picked will also serve on the panel.
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