Graton Fire Protection District

GRATON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

The Graton Fire Protection District (GFPD) covers an area of 26 square miles, immediately northwest of the City of Sebastopol (see Figure ). It serves a population of 14,000 people.

The District maintains large reserves; however, they are largely dedicated for future needed facilities. Continued significant increases in call volume will increase the need for expanded facilities and staff.

GOVERNANCE AND OPERATIONS

GFPD was formed in 1958. It is empowered to provide services including fire protection, rescue, emergency medical care, and hazardous material emergency response. It has an all- volunteer staff of 30 people. The District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, which meets the second Tuesday of each month. These meetings are open to the public. Information about fire protection services is also published in a local newspaper.

GFPD revenue comes from a combination of property taxes, earned interest, state funds, intergovernmental revenues, and donations. The District’s 2004-2005 preliminary budget includes around $431,000 in general funds and $20,000 in a special building fund. Reserves for these two accounts are approximately $13,000 and $1.0 million, respectively. The District is carrying debt on two loans, with a single payment of $12,558 remaining on one and six payments totaling $262,518 remaining on the other, as of mid-2004. The District’s general reserves represent less than 5 percent of general expenditures. Although the building fund has over $1 million, those funds will be necessary for future improvements.

The District has automatic aid agreements with surrounding jurisdictions.

INFRASTRUCTURE, FACILITIES, AND SERVICES

On the 1-10 ISO scale (1 being the best), GFPD’s ISO rating is 8 in residential areas and 9 in commercial areas. Its equipment and facilities comprise six engines with equipment and a fire station, located in Graton. One engine must be stored off-site due to lack of space at the existing station. The District is considering construction of a new station and has the funds necessary to start the project, but has not yet found an appropriate location.

FIRE PROTECTION DEMAND AND CAPACITY

According to Sonoma County PRMD growth projections, the rural Sebastopol area (i.e., the unincorporated area outside the City USA) is projected to experience an annual population increase of 0.24 percent, growing from 21,090 in 2000 to 22,100 in 2020. However, according to Graton’s Deputy Fire Chief, GFPD’s call volume is increasing by 10 percent annually, due to a combination of population growth and aging among the existing population. The District states that it currently has the busiest all-volunteer station in the county. While GFPD has significant reserves and District personnel believe that facilities and staff are adequate to meet present demand, continued growth in demand will increase the need for a new, expanded station and may require GFPD to seek additional volunteer or professional staff.

The demand from one fire department to another varies significantly. The table below provides a snap shot on the calls for service for the department.

Emergency Incident Activity Vehicle Struct Struct Vehicl Vehic Acciden Auto ure ure Medica e le t: Wildland Fire Other Total Fire Fire l Aid Accide Fire Extricat Alarm Res. Com. nt ion 2009 2010 2011 Total % % % % % % % % % % % % Cumulative Total % % % % % % % % % % %

Figure: Graton Fire Protection District Sphere of Influence

DETERMINATIONS – Draft 2013

Growth and population projections for the affected area.

According to Sonoma County PRMD growth projections, the rural Sebastopol area (i.e., the unincorporated area outside the City USA) is projected to experience little growth with an annual population increase of 0.22 percent between 2000 and 2020.

The location and characteristics of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within or contiguous to the sphere of influence.

In Sonoma County the State Department of Water Resources and Sonoma LAFCO has designated, Boyes Hot Springs, Cazadero, Glen Ellen, Guerneville, Monte Rio, Temelec and Valley Ford as “disadvantaged unincorporated communities”.

None of the “disadvantaged unincorporated communities” are located in the district.

Present and planned capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services, including infrastructure needs or deficiencies

In 2012, the District open its new Fire station at 3750 Highway 116 North, Sebastopol, CA.

Financial ability of agencies to provide services Status of, and opportunities for, shared facilities

GFPD has automatic aid agreements with neighboring districts.

Accountability for community service needs, including governmental structure and operational efficiencies

Graton Fire Protection District’s Board of Directors meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Graton fire station. Meetings are open to the public. Information regarding fire protection services is also published in a local newspaper.

Any other matter related to effective or efficient service delivery, as required by commission policy