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DATE: November 30, 2004
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: The Voters Have Spoken: Consolidate Fire Protection Services In The Unincorporated Area

SUMMARY:
On May 18, 2004 the Board of Supervisors took action to place an advisory measure on the November 2, 2004 ballot in order to gauge if residents would be supportive of consolidating the 35 fire protection agencies that serve the unincorporated area of San Diego County. The advisory measure, Proposition C, passed with the support of over 81% of voters in the unincorporated area.

The sound passage of Proposition C signifies a clear mandate from the voters for change. Unincorporated residents have recognized that this region can no longer afford to have a fractured and inequitable fire protection system. Now it is time to carry out the will of the voters by initiating the consolidation process. Today's action will request the Local Agency Formation Commission to initiate the process for consolidating the fire protection agencies in the unincorporated area of San Diego County.

Recommendation
CHAIRWOMAN DIANNE JACOB AND SUPERVISOR BILL HORN

Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to draft a letter for the Chair's signature, requesting the Local Agency Formation Commission to initiate the process for consolidating the fire protection agencies in the unincorporated area of San Diego County.

Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.

BACKGROUND
On May 18, 2004 the Board of Supervisors took action to place an advisory measure on the November 2, 2004 ballot in order to gauge if residents would be supportive of consolidating the 35 fire protection agencies that serve the unincorporated area of San Diego County. The advisory measure, Proposition C, passed with the support of over 81% of voters in the unincorporated area.

The sound passage of Proposition C signifies a clear mandate from the voters for change. Unincorporated residents have recognized that this region can no longer afford to have a fractured and inequitable fire protection system. Now it is time to carry out the will of the voters by initiating the consolidation process.

The Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) is the government body that has the responsibility for reviewing jurisdiction lines and services, and has the power to initiate and implement a reorganization of public services. LAFCO is currently in the process of completing Municipal Service Reviews for the fire protection agencies in the unincorporated area. Municipal Service Reviews provide critical information that will be the foundation for a consolidation of fire protection services. The Municipal Service Reviews are set to be completed early next year.

On December 2, 2003 and May 18, 2004 the Board of Supervisors took action to support consolidating the region's fire protection agencies. In addition, the Blue Ribbon Commission, the Fire Chiefs' Association, the Grand Jury, and the Task Force on Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services have all voiced support for reducing jurisdictional lines and enhancing coordination of fire services. Today's action will continue the County's support of this effort. If approved, the Board of Supervisors will request LAFCO to initiate the process for consolidating the fire protection agencies in the unincorporated area of San Diego County. We urge your support.

Respectfully Submitted,


DIANNE JACOB
Chairwoman

BILL HORN
Supervisor, Fifth District