Report Prepared by: Casey Wilson, Fire Chief
Title
SUBJECT: First Amendment to the Stop-Gap Fire Services Agreement Between the City of Merced and Merced County on Behalf of the Merced County Fire Department
REPORT IN BRIEF
Six-month extension to the Stop-Gap Fire Services Agreement for Fire and Emergency Services between the City of Merced and Merced County commencing January 1, 2027, and ending June 30, 2027.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council – Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a first amendment to the Stop-Gap Fire Services Agreement between Merced City Fire Department and Merced County on behalf of the Merced County Fire Department commencing January 1, 2027, and ending June 30, 2027; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents; and,
C. Authorizing the Finance Officer to increase revenue in the amount of $170,560 for Fiscal Year 2026-27 in the General Fund-Fire Division.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than as recommended by staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future City Council meeting.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City of Merced City Council provided direction to staff to explore opportunities to provide Fire and emergency operation services to Merced County to assist in area generally defined as North of Hwy 140, West of Kibby Rd, West of N. Lake Rd. and East of G St, and South of Old Lake Rd. This area had previously been provided Fire and EMS services through Merced County - CALFIRE with primary responses coming from Station 85 located on McKee Rd. Due to budgetary constraints being faced by Merced County this station closed on January 1, 2025.
Both City and County staff held a series of meetings to discuss various options. Additionally, City staff discussed options and received feedback from the City Council Public Safety Sub Committee. The entire City Council was briefed at the May 6, 2...
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