City of Hemet opts to contract out its fire services
The city of Hemet has opted to shut down its 108-year-old fire department and will contract services with a Riverside County fire agency.
The Riverside Press-Enterprise reports the City Council voted 3-2 Tuesday to hire Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.
Supporters said the move will save the city money, while those who opposed it felt it was better to keep local control of fire services.
Hemet has been studying firefighting costs since at least 2004.
A consultant’s review found Hemet could save more than $2 million over the next three years by contracting with Riverside County.
Interim City Manager Ron Bradley said negotiations will begin with both the Hemet firefighters and the county department to determine what is necessary for the transition.
