The Reporter has reported that Solano County Administrator Bill Emlen has been authorized to appoint an interim fire chief to oversee the operations of three merging fire protection districts.
The Suisun, Montezuma and Vacaville Fire Protection Districts are currently reorganizing through the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO).
The decision was passed by the Solano County Board of Supervisors in a 4-1 vote.
Supervisor Wanda Williams voted against the motion.
The interim appointment is intended to ensure operational continuity during the transition period.
According to The Reporter, the three fire protection districts will now operate on a 14-day work period schedule.
This schedule meets the conditions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and allows greater staffing flexibility.
Each district must complete an annual audit by 31 October to support transparency and financial accountability.
The board also gave prior approval for emergency purchases up to $250,000.
These updates are part of efforts to maintain services while consolidating fire protection operations in the county.
The Reporter stated that Montezuma Fire Protection District has partnered with California Forever to create fire breaks within the district.
It is also working to remove unsafe structures that could increase fire risk.
Montezuma District staff recorded a drop in calls, reporting 294 this year compared to over 360 in the previous year.
Suisun Fire Protection District focused primarily on vegetation removal.
Staff reported 285 total calls, of which 75 were fire-related.
Vacaville Fire Protection District responded to 751 calls in 2024 and issued 742 burn permits.
The Reporter noted that a public commenter raised concerns about potential changes to staffing at the Vine Street Fire Station.
Supervisor John Vasquez addressed the concern directly.
Vasquez said: “If that is a rumor, I have not even heard that rumor, but thank you for expressing your concerns.”
County Counsel Bernadette Curry said that the board could eventually appoint fire commissioners.
At present, direct oversight remains with the Board of Supervisors.
The Reporter highlighted that Supervisor Wanda Williams called for all current district chiefs to be interviewed for the interim role.
Chair Mitch Mashburn responded by noting that hiring a fire chief requires expertise the board does not possess.
He explained that Emlen holds the authority to carry out the appointment.
Emlen said he intends to conduct interviews consistent with his approach to filling any county department head position.
Vasquez emphasized the need for immediate leadership.
Vasquez said: “We’re not the only ones dealing with these kinds of issues.”
He cited that four out of over a dozen fire districts in neighboring Yolo County are facing financial challenges.
Solano County is reorganizing three fire protection districts into one.
Bill Emlen has been given authority to appoint an interim fire chief.
The Board of Supervisors approved this decision in a 4-1 vote.
Supervisor Wanda Williams voted against the appointment.
Each district will adopt a 14-day work schedule.
Annual audits will be completed by 31 October each year.
Emergency purchases of up to $250,000 were approved.
Montezuma District is working on fire breaks and structural removal.
Call volume in Montezuma dropped to 294 this year.
Suisun District focused on vegetation removal and had 285 calls.
Vacaville District responded to 751 calls and issued 742 burn permits.
Vine Street Fire Station staffing concerns were addressed by Supervisor Vasquez.
County Counsel said commissioners may be appointed in future.
The board currently retains oversight of the districts.
Emlen said he will interview candidates before appointing an interim chief.
Vasquez noted other counties are facing similar financial issues.
