Voters to Decide Today on Firefighting Contract

City voters will go to the polls today to decide whether the Los Angeles County Fire Department should take over the duties of the Monterey Park Fire Department.

Measure I calls for the city Fire Department and its employees to become part of the Los Angeles County Fire Protection District, which serves 55 cities.

Passage requires a simple majority.

The Monterey Park Firefighters Assn. is leading the campaign to pass Measure I, arguing that the city would be safer with the county’s vast array of specialized resources, from helicopters to hazardous-materials teams.

A citizens group called No to County Fire is opposing the measure. Its leaders contend that county fire protection will, according to a city study, cost at least $2 million more than the city service. They say city firefighters support the measure because the county pays better salaries.

Also on the ballot is Measure H, which asks voters to approve a special tax to pay for more costly fire services if the county plan is approved. It requires a two-thirds vote to pass.

Monterey Park is the latest city to consider switching to county fire services. Voters in West Covina, Alhambra and Montebello have rejected the change in past elections, although Lynwood voters approved. City councils in El Monte and Covina have also approved contracting for county fire services.