Politics & Government

Con Fire Chief's New Land Deal Proposal Goes to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday

Chief Daryl Louder is proposing that Con Fire waive five years of its share of operating costs of a proposed new Station 46 in Lafayette.

The head of Consolidated Fire District is returning to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday with a new deal he hopes will convince board members to purchase Lafayette property with the Moraga-Orinda Fire District to construct and jointly operate a new station.

The supervisors turned down a proposal in May to jointly purchase the land at 1035 Lorinda Lane, saying that the operating costs of the new station would be too costly.

But Lafayette officials and many residents, particularly those in west Lafayette, are very concerned over the lack of fire coverage for their area. One station in Lafayette is now closed due to its deteriorated condition, and a station in East Orinda is also closed, leaving the area vulnerable in case of a major fire.

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Con Fire Chief  Daryl Louder’s new proposal is to enter into a joint purchase agreement with MOFD, but request a five-year waiver of Con Fire’s share of operating costs. Louder says that such a deal would reduce land acquisition costs for both districts, and ultimately result in a 50-50 operating cost budget.

However, Con Fire is facing a severe budget crisis, and was forced to close several stations earlier this year. More station closures may be on the horizon. So there is no area in Con Fire’s jurisdiction that is receiving more than barely acceptable coverage. And things may get worse.

Find out what's happening in Lamorindawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Meanwhile, MOFD is not faring any better fiscally. That board is considering service reductions to address a $1 million operating deficit this fiscal year. However, the board voted to work with the city of Lafayette in exploring a joint purchase and operation of what would be Station 46.

Meanwhile, Lafayette officials have formed a task force to explore the possibility of dissolving its ties to Con Fire and instead throwing in with MOFD. Though that idea is a long and complicated way from fruition, it frightens Con Fire officials. Lafayette’s share of Con Fire’s income is substantial, and its loss would further cripple the fire district.

The Board of Supervisors will meet Tuesday at 10 a.m. as the Consolidated Fire District Board of Directors to consider Louder’s proposal in the County Adminstration Building, 651 Pine Street in Martinez. 


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