BUENA PARK : City OKs Study on County Fire Services

In an effort to examine cost-saving options, city officials have asked the County Fire Department to study how much it would cost Buena Park to contract fire protection services.

City Manager Kevin O’Rourke said Friday that the study will begin next week.

O’Rourke said Fire Department employees, including 61 firefighters, were given a notice Thursday informing them of the study. “The purpose is to study the possibility and the feasibility and consider it,” he said.

A proposal has been endorsed by all 16 Orange County cities served by the County Fire Department to form a special fire protection district. A board of directors, made up of county and city representatives, would oversee the operations of the district.

O’Rourke said the proposal doesn’t diminish the city’s interest in contracting with the county for fire services.

It is not known how much money that contracting with the county for fire protection services would save the city or whether the same level of service would be provided.

“If we can save money and keep it the same quality of fire and paramedic protection we have--and accomplish those two goals--then we’ll be very serious about it,” O’Rourke said.

The city faces a projected $2-million budget deficit this fiscal year and is considering cuts in personnel and an increase in the lodgers’ tax to reduce the shortfall. For the 1993-94 fiscal year, the city is projecting an additional $1-million to $2-million shortfall in revenues.

Fire Chief Herb R. Jewell said he supports the city’s inquiry into alternative fire protection services.

“We have been looking at a wide variety of alternatives to provide fire protection services in the community,” he said. “I think it’s a correct decision to look at this as alternative, primarily because it’s been done before in this county . . . with success.”

David C. Dorn, president of Buena Park Firemen’s Assn., said he’s not surprised that the city is taking a look at such an alternative.

“We’re not opposed,” Dorn said. “We’re certainly tired of small-town politics and mentality. As far as looking as to what the county has to offer, we think we should look at all options.”

The city and the firefighters’ association are at odds over a new contract. The City Council in April imposed a compensation plan on firefighters that included cuts in benefits and no salary increases. The action was taken to eliminate part of the $2-million deficit.

The firefighters’ association, along with the Buena Park Police Assn., also filed lawsuits challenging the city’s imposition of the labor contracts.

Fire Capt. Glenn Davis, a paramedic and 16-year veteran of the Fire Department, said firefighters believe that the switch may be beneficial to all.

“Employees are frustrated,” Davis said. “They want to do anything to make it better, and they’re looking at any ray of hope.

“Most of the guys aren’t opposed. A lot of people think it’s time for a change,” Davis said.