Firefighters Back Cost-Saving Agreement

The Town of Corte Madera looks like it will get a hand with its budget in 2012.

The Town Council voted 4-0 to approve an agreement to share personnel with the Southern Marin Fire Protection District. Councilman Michael Lappert was not present for Tuesday night's vote.

The agreement calls for the two agencies share a battalion chief, but the door is open to share more personnel, according to Corte Madera Mayor Bob Ravasio. Southern Marin Fire would chip in to pay for the shared services of a battalion chief from Corte Madera, including overtime pay.

"We like (the agreement). For the towns, it will decrease costs while maintaining service. For the firefighters, it means we can work at either department with equipment we might not have," Corte Madera Fire Chief Roger Sprehn said. "Everybody involved in this is in favor of it."

Corte Madera has three battalion chiefs: Kenny Prete, Peter Davis and Paul Hager. Southern Marin Fire also has three battalion chiefs after one position was left open by retirement.

The deal could save the town $135,000 annually and Southern Marin Fire $60,000 annually, according to a report by Southern Marin Fire Chief Jim Irving.

"This is a great opportunity for both agencies," Ravasio said.

Ravasio cautions the agreement wouldn't likely affect response times. Corte Madera Fire will continue to deliver paramedic services.

The deal is expected to go into effect March 1.