Higher taxes, longer response times or lower wages. That’s the essence of the choices facing Butte County residents as officials weigh a reorganization of county firefighting services.
Officials will hold two more community meetings this week as they seek public input on how to react to rising costs.
The possible changes would mainly impact firefighting in unincorporated areas.
“The key issue is the cost,” says Casey Hatcher, a spokeswoman for Butte County.
Currently, the county contracts with CalFire to provide fire crews, training and equipment. But that arrangement is becoming too pricey. Hatcher said that recent raises granted by Sacramento are outstripping the county’s ability to pay.
Officials are asking the public to weigh in on what to do. The proposals include running the department directly, reducing staffing or forming a special tax assessment district to cover the costs.
Officials will solicit public comment on the plans Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Southside Community Center in Oroville, and Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Dorothy Johnson Center in Chico.