The Los Angeles County report on consolidation of the Arcadia Fire Department into the Los Angeles County Fire Protection District raises many questions.
A Los Angeles County proposal to take over fire and ambulance service from the Arcadia Fire Department would cost the city as much as $8 million more than present costs over 10 years, according to a city report.
Arcadia City Council on Wednesday called for a study on whether it should contract with Los Angeles County for its fire protection services. The decision came after a marathon 5 1/2 hour session on the budget that attracted more than 400 spectators.
The consultant firm of Peat Marwick L.L.P. finds that the Fire Department overtime costs are not out of line and that the department is being managed efficiently.
During last Tuesday's City Council meeting, Council member Robert Harbicht accused Arcadia Firefighters of opposing April's Measure A in order to hurt the city's financial position to the extent that the city consolidates the Fire Department with Los Angeles County.
Fire Chief Michael Lang is leaving Arcadia Fire Department to be Fire Chief at Manhattan Beach. He was with Arcadia Fire Department for 21 years, including 5 as chief. He starts at Manhattan Beach Fire Department on June 21.
Arcadia Fire Department's recent reconfirmation of being a "Class 1" department by the Insurance Services office may result in lower insurance premiums for area businesses.
The Insurance Services Office, which rates fire departments, awarded the Arcadia Fire Department a "Class One" rating, making them one of only 16 departments in the country with that rating.