Fire Department Merger With County Pushed
Voters could soon decide whether to allow the Monterey Park Fire Department to be absorbed by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
The Monterey Park Firefighters Assn. and a resident, Andrew Islas, have submitted a petition to place a measure on the ballot to have the county provide fire service to the community.
City Clerk David Barron said the firefighters submitted a petition with 4,470 unverified signatures. Barron said if he finds 3,618 signatures to be valid voters’ signatures, a special election would be called. If only 2,412 signatures--10% of the electorate--are found to be valid, the issue would be placed on the next regular election ballot.
The City Council can opt to avoid an election by ordering the switch to the county.
Monterey Park would be the latest in a string of cities to vote on whether to become part of the huge county Fire Department system. Voters in West Covina and Alhambra rejected proposals last year.
Advocates of county fire service say it can save money, but critics argue that it reduces local control and is backed by firefighters because they earn more working for the county.
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