County Backs Report on Fire Department

The Ventura County Fire Department should incorporate all the suggestions made in a citizens advisory report when department officials develop a long-range strategic plan, county supervisors said this week.

The citizens group, which convened after a county audit criticized fiscal practices within the department, recommended that the county reduce pay for sick leave at the end of the year, cut overtime, use civilians for some non-emergency work and reinstitute a volunteer force, among other suggestions.

Chairwoman Vicky Howard supported the work of the 14-member group, calling it one of the “best reports ever submitted from a citizens committee.”

“I want to go beyond thanking you for this report,” said Howard, adding that every suggestion should become part of the long-range plan.

Howard said she liked a proposal to bring the administration of the department back to the County Government Center in Ventura. The Fire Department administration is now at the Camarillo Airport.

Another suggestion would combine dispatch centers with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department to cut expenses.

She also praised a suggestion to institute a reserve fund to replace equipment as needed.

If the department does not back the proposals, Supervisor Maggie Kildee said officials should be required to explain why.