The board is considering asking voters to approve a new benefit assessment to help cover a $2.8 million per year operating deficit, increase staffing at some fire stations, begin a paramedic firefighter program (paramedic services are now provided through a county contract with American Medical Response) and set aside money for equipment needs.
A decision on whether to move ahead with the assessment will be made after the board receives an engineer’s report on the details of the possible assessment.
Prior to that discussion, the board will begin putting together a two-part budget for the next fiscal year. One will include plans should voters approve an assessment. At about $96 per home, the measure could raise about $4 million. Part two will consider the district’s options should an assessment fail to pass or not be placed before voters. The district now covers its deficit with reserves, but those will run out by mid-2012.
The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Oakley City Council Chambers, 3231 Main St.
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