On December 11, LAFCO will discuss the Annexation of Rodeo Hercules Fire Protection District (RHFPD) to Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (CCCFPD).
The move comes after CCCFPD filed applications with LAFCO to expand CCCFPD’s SOI to include RHFPD along with a corresponding application to annex RHFPD to CCCFPD and dissolve RHFPD.
On November 13, 2024, the Commission considered and approved the SOI expansion pursuant to the Cortese Knox Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (“CKH Act”) GC section 56000 et seq.
The reasons for the boundary reorganization and dissolution of RHFPD are summarized below:
- To enhance and expand fire and emergency medical services to the Rodeo Hercules area;
- To improve efficiency, effectiveness, and economy of fire protection services within the subject area; and
- To better meet the fire, rescue, and emergency medical service needs of the residents
In December 2020, an annexation feasibility study was commissioned by CCCFPD to determine the feasibility of annexing ECCFPD and RHFPD to CCCFPD. The study also included a MSR and SOI component. A consultant, AP Triton, prepared the Fire District
Annexation Feasibility/Municipal Services Review. The study/MSR is available online at https://www.cccfpd.org/annexation In July 2021, the findings of the study were presented to the governing bodies of the three districts. Some of the key findings are presented:
CCCFPD
- Is large and is a well-funded all-risk fire district
- Has a stable and growing revenue stream
- Has processes for funding facility remodeling and new fire stations that will streamline the process of improvements throughout the annexed service area
- Has a unique bilingual education program for the juvenile fire-setter team
RHFPD
- RHFPD is a smaller district that has seen growth in property value with moderate increases in property tax revenue, which are being outpaced by expenses, leaving a forecasted ongoing structural deficit in the near future.
- Property tax revenues have been negatively impacted by the dissolution of redevelopment agencies and the continued property development within City of Hercules Redevelopment Area.
- RHFPD cannot meet the increased call load in the communities served with existing personnel and equipment levels without relying on mutual aid and automatic aid agencies
- RHFPD Measure O and the 1998 Benefit Assessment District funds will continue to be committed to funding services within the RHFPD service area
- RHFPD and CCCFPD share battalion chief coverage
- RHFPD currently has limited administrative support
- All existing RHFPD personnel that desire to do so will be employed by CCCFPD, with the exception of the RHFPD fire chief and part-time personnel
- The potential boundary reorganization will not result in layoffs
A subsequent analysis was performed in conjunction with a strategic plan by a separate consultant commissioned by the RHFPD Board of Directors in 2023. The synopsis of the study and consensus with the 2021 findings are contained in the Executive Summary of the Plan for Services (pages 4-7). The annexation feasibility study concluded that annexation of RHFPD to CCCFPD is feasible and recommended that CCCFPD pursue annexation. Ultimately, both CCCFPD and RHFPD voted to pursue the boundary reorganization and adopted substantially similar resolutions.
Public Comments and Pending Issues – As of this writing, Contra Costa LAFCO has received no protest letters/emails. However, opinions and concerns were expressed by the public regarding the following perceived issues:
- Inadequate notice in 2024 of a proposed annexation (last notice of possible merger was sent by Chief Craig to the District in 2021).
- Voters should have the right to vote on the annexation.
- RHFPD is financially able to remain independent.
- A permanent Chief can lead the District while balancing financial resources.
- RHFPD can better deliver community outreach, education and CERT classes.
- CCCFPD may decide to close a station.
It should be noted that the factual basis for these concerns has not been validated
Following LAFCO’s approval of a proposal, there is a 30-day reconsideration period whereby any person or affected agency may file a written request with the LAFCO Executive Officer requesting amendments to, or reconsideration of, the LAFCO resolution. The request shall state the specific modification to the resolution being requested and shall state what new or different facts that could not have been presented previously are claimed to warrant the reconsideration
Meeting Details:
December 11, 2024 at 1:30 pm
The public may attend this meeting in person at the following locations: Board of Supervisor Chambers, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St. 1st Floor, Martinez, CA 94553. The public may also attend this meeting remotely by Zoom or telephone.
If joining remotely by Zoom, please click the link below:
Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/82621593031
Or Telephone:Dial:
- USA 214 765 0478 US Toll
- USA 888 278 0254 US Toll-free
- Conference code: 220394
For agenda/packet: click here
Previous stories:
- Aug 1, 2024 – Rodeo-Hercules Fire Moves Closer to Annexation into CONFIRE
- July 3, 2023 – One Year Since ECCFPD and Con Fire Merger
- July 1, 2022 – Contra Costa County Fire Annexes East Costa Costa Fire in Historic Brentwood Ceremony
