HOLLISTER, Calif. - Decades of frustration came to a head Tuesday morning in the San Benito County Board of Supervisors chambers. Residents like Mike Martin took the podium, upset, tired, and confused over the back-and-forth over fire coverage in the county. "You've had many plans put before you over the last 20 some-odd years, and you have done nothing, it's time to do something."
Martin, who lives in Tres Pinos, retired more than a year ago and was the former Region Fire Chief for Cal Fire. The fire coverage debate was something he was directly involved in during his tenure. Martin said whatever the county decides to do; he just wants a decision that will keep him and his neighbors safe. "I don't know what else to say at this point, but don't lower my level of service."
The county has yet to make a decision on whether to keep a contract with Cal Fire, or to make a deal with the City of Hollister Fire Department. The county says the move would save $78,000
but Martin is concerned his fire protection will go down, causing his home insurance to go up. "This board has to address a lot of financial issues, but we do too as citizens."
As far as the areas covered by county fire right now, County Fire Chief Rick Hutchinson says the service level is inadequate. "When you look at what we have in this county now, this single two person engine company, that's the same as what we had in the late 70's."
Despite the concerns, the board needs to cut costs even if it comes at the cost of a home. Board member Anthony Botelho says, "In reality, if you have a fire down in South County…in all likelihood it's a burn down...there's no way we could have a fire station within six minutes county-wide."
The proposal to drop Cal Fire services will now go back to the county Fire Protection Agency for further review.
