Fire Protection Issue Put on March Ballot
Covina voters will cast ballots March 4 on whether the county Fire Department should take over the city’s fire stations.
A divided Covina City Council, in a special session Thursday night, decided to let the voters have the final say after council members failed to agree on whether to pursue an offer from the county Fire Department to provide cheaper fire protection.
“I feel this decision is really far-reaching. It is one that cannot be undone. Once the city Fire Department is gone, it’s gone for good. That’s why we are going to the voters,” said Mayor Linda Sarver, who along Councilmen Tom Falls and Thomas O’Leary made up the 3-2 majority. Councilmen John Wilcox and Chris Christensen opposed the move.
It is estimated that the Covina department will cost the city about $5.19 million in 1996-97, while county says it can offer service for $4.24 million.
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