City to Consider Contracting Fire Services with SM/FC

The Belmont Fire Department may soon contract with San Mateo and Foster City's fire departments, a move that could save the district nearly $500,000 annually, according to an article in the San Mateo Daily Journal.

The Belmont City Council is scheduled to vote tonight on whether to contract with the neighboring fire departments; if approved, the three cities will share a fire chief and other administrative positions.

Michael Keefe, Deputy Fire Chief of the San Mateo-Foster City Fire Department, was named the fire chief of the two cities in June and assumed the position July 1.

Belmont split with San Carlos in October 2011 for shared fire services when the two cities voted to dissolve the Belmont-San Carlos Fire Department following a disagreement over how the department was funded.

When the District formed the new fire department, it hired an to manage the department and work with the district manager to establish rules and regulations, and to ensure adequate staffing. As the Fry's service winds down, the city must determine the next phase for management of the department.

The Cities of San Mateo and Foster City embarked on an endeavor to share fire services in 2010 as a way of delivering important public safety services at a reduced cost.

Belmont Fire staff began exploring the concept of contract services with San Mateo and Foster City Fire soon after department formation, given their proximity and desire to collaborate.

The Belmont Fire Department currently participates in the Central San Mateo County Training Division for the Department’s training needs, along with San Mateo and Foster City Fire.

Belmont City Council will meet tonight, Tues., Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, second floor of Belmont City Hall, One Twin Pines Lane. For more information, and to read the staff report, click here.