Orinda Group Runs the Numbers On MOFD

A local group which readily admits its lack of expertise in emergency services matters but which claims "expertise in the fields of finance, accounting, engineering and business," has issued a report critical of Orinda's emergency services provider -- the Moraga-Orinda Fire Disrict.

The group, calling themselves the Orinda Emergency Services Task Force, formed last year after city council member Amy Worth asked the council to form a task force reviewing MOFD's management and fiscal policies. Members said they formed and undertook an independent, unsanctioned review of the district's management practices after the council did not follow up on Worth's request.

The group hopes the city will review their report, in which they claim that response times are not met 40 percent of the time and that taxpayers are paying $1 million more than they need to for district services, and hope to present their findings to the Orinda City Council at its Sept. 18 meeting.

The report and additional exhibits referenced in the report are available on the Task Force web site. 

Members of the group include residents: Bailey Lee, Bob Mills, Diana Stephens, Dick James, Joan Daoro, John Shelling, Sandy Gross, Steve Cohn, and Vince Maiorana.

MOFD Chief Randall Bradley was sent a copy of the report, but has not yet been able to review it, district officials said.