City to hire consultant to evaluate service of fire department

It's been 13 years since the city took a good look at what Thousand Oaks is getting for the money it pays for services provided by the Ventura County Fire Protection District.

That's why the City Council voted unanimously to look for a consultant to hire who will check into the district's operations and finances of the fire services the district provides. Councilmember Tom Glancy was absent.

According to Linda Pappas Diaz, assistant city manager, it's time to evaluate the expenditures and operations of the Ventura County Fire Protection District, established in 1928, that operates nine fire stations in Thousand Oaks. The city's fire services are funded by a portion of the property taxes, she said.

"What exactly triggered this?" Councilmember Claudia Bill-de la Peña asked.

"It's been a long, long time since we've done this," said Scott Mitnick, city manager.

Mitnick pointed out it would be a good idea for the fire department's finances and operations to be reviewed regularly with a similar schedule to the one followed by the city when evaluating the police department on such matters. Law enforcement finances and operations are evaluated about every five years.

Councilmember Andy Fox said it's necessary to evaluate services from time to time to make sure the city is getting the highest level of service.

A consultant should be available for hire by February, Pappas Diaz said.

-Nancy Needham