Monterey Park – Jan. 19, 2012 – City Council has approved forming an ad hoc committee to review the financial information on transferring the city’s fire department to the County Fire District.

The formation of a “Fire Committee” is required under an initiative ordinance passed by the voters several years ago.

Each of the Council members will have one appointment on the five-member committee. During discussions the council set strict guidelines for membership on the Fire Committee.

Committee members would have to have  at least three year residency in the city and the appointee or family member cannot be employed by a city or county fire agency.

The committee will review the county’s proposal to provide fire protection, paramedic and related services and a review of an independent analysis of the proposal.  (The county proposal is currently available in the City Clerk’s office and the City website.)

After the review, the committee is charged with delivering a report to the council with a recommendation by June 30.

The committee is also charged with making sure any proposal to transfer fire services to the County meets certain requirements regarding service levels and costs.

Any proposed transfer of fire services would have to be approved by the city voters in a future election.