Thousand Oaks shouldn't have to pay a premium price for its fire protection services

For the taxpayers of Thousand Oaks, this may go down as the "good news, bad news" week for the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD). See story on front page. 

The good news is the wildfires that have burned throughout Southern California since last weekend didn't take root in Conejo Valley.

It wasn't just good luck; several fires ignited in local areas but they were quickly doused by firefighters before the Santa Ana winds drove them into a much wider area.

Thanks to a quick response and the hard work of the VCFD, small fires stayed that way. We owe the department--and all firefighters, for that matter--our collective gratitude.

That was the good news. Much of Southern California didn't fare nearly as well.

The bad news is that an independent study has revealed the taxpayers of Thousand Oaks have paid too much for fire department services. The study says Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Westlake Village paid as much as $6.2 million per year too much.

When cities contract with counties for police and fire protection services, residents supposedly save money. Theoretically, there are less administrative costs because of reduced bureaucracy.

Theoretically.

But the taxpayers of T.O., according to the independent study, are paying too much for what they get. It would appear that Thousand Oaks is helping to subsidize fire protection services for other cities and unincorporated areas.

If the study is accurate, Thousand Oaks can either demand a more equitable arrangement or it can break away from VCFD and start its own municipal fire department.

We deserve, and have, a first-class fire department, but we shouldn't have to pay a surcharge.

It's not fair if we're paying a premium for our contract services through the Ventura County Fire Department.